By Mathew Jubille Aigbe
Steve Eke was shot in his wife’s shop at Abacha Road in Maraba a suburb close to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. By the time she got a call about men that were heard shooting in her shop and arrived on the scene, her husband was drenched in blood, writhing in pain. Some reports claim that before she and her son arrived the hospital with him, he breathed his last in her arms.
When the armed men requested his car key, Steve was said to have handed it over without questions. Still, they shot him, drove off with the car, dumped it at Zuma Rock in Niger State, and vanished.
In this tribute, Mathew Jubille Aigbe, one of the closest persons to Steve Eke pens a poignant tribute.
Sometime around 2005, Dr. Steve Enyinnaya Eke joined our office; Chambers of Mohammed Shuaib from Solomon Umor’s office in Jos at the recommendation of Barr. Umahani Amin who had an opportunity to work with him in Jos.
Steve was such a dedicated staff that within days of joining our office he warmed his way into our hearts. He made great contributions to almost all the cases assigned to him.
Steve was so gifted in legal drafting and advocacy, that his etiquette in addressing the court makes it nearly impossible for the court to refuse his applications. Because of his professionalism and good character his former boss, Mr. Solomon Umor often asked him to hold his brief in Abuja.
He loved people; very humorous and respectful. He called everyone “my oga” and it’s from him I retained the name Oga Billy that most people call me today.
It will interest you to know that we were not only colleagues in the office. We were flatmates before and after I got married and we still lived together until he got a job with an oil services company in Owerri in the year 2008.
During those three years we were together we didn’t disagree over any issue once. We were so compatible as if we knew each other all our lives. Steve practically knew all my family members and visited my hometown.
Coincidentally, in 2010 when Barr Umahani Amin wanted to expand her office (Metropolitan Law Firm) she told me of her need for a dedicated hand if I am not available to join her. I intuitively recommended Dr. Steve whose presence became an invaluable asset to the system in the years to come.
I still wonder how in the world someone could conceive the thought of killing such a perfect gentleman that can’t hurt a fly.
For those of you that never had the opportunity to interact with Steve at a close range, you have missed something in life.
Truth is that I lack the right words to describe the wonderful person Steve is. My heart is broken. It’s really tough referring to him in the past. Ah! Steve! What a wicked world we live in!
Mathew Jubille Aigbe
