Evelyn Onyema recounts ordeal before disappearance, apologises to supporters

By Anthonia Okonkwo

Fashion entrepreneur Evelyn Onyema, popularly known as 44 Clothing, has recounted the events leading to her disappearance, alleging that her boyfriend, Derick, assaulted her following a dispute over information published about her private life.

In a video shared on her page on Wednesday, Evelyn narrated the incident while speaking with Harrison Gwamnishu. She said the dispute began after Aproko Blog published details about her personal life, prompting Derick to accuse her of supplying the information because he believed the report was too accurate. She denied the allegation and said the online criticism had taken an emotional toll on her.

Evelyn explained that an earlier interaction with Aproko Blog, which reportedly published a post about her illness, may have heightened Derick’s suspicions. She said she visited his house to clear up the misunderstanding, but his sister advised her to give him time to calm down. Evelyn said she wanted to explain that she had not deliberately exposed her private life online.

Recounting the incident, she said she called her mother while in Derick’s car and eventually handed him the phone so they could speak. She alleged that Derick insisted she enter his car despite her reluctance to travel with him. During the journey, she said she asked to get out but was prevented from doing so.

She further alleged that Derick slapped and beat her before stopping near the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. According to her, he eventually opened the car door and told her to get out, leaving her outside late at night without her shoes, phone or other belongings, which remained in the vehicle as he drove away.

Evelyn said she sat near the bridge to calm herself before a woman passing by approached her and encouraged her not to make a harmful decision. She added that people in the area later tried to help her. She subsequently made her way towards Lekki, where she sought assistance from people connected to a restaurant where she had previously worked.

Having returned home safely, the fashion entrepreneur apologised to those who became worried during her disappearance. She said she had been going through a difficult period, felt emotionally overwhelmed and could not communicate with others because she did not have her phone. She also acknowledged that the situation had caused distress to people around her.

Evelyn thanked Mariam, Gwamnishu, her friends, Duly Empire, her family and other supporters who expressed concern and made efforts to find her. She apologised for the distress her disappearance caused, while her account has shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, the allegations against Derick have not been independently verified.