A long-running dispute between an Enugu-based trader, Sunday Udeh of Blessed Sunny Electricals, and his former apprentice, Michael Nwauba, escalated yesterday when Udeh turned to the Catholic Grotto of the Virgin Mary, seeking vindication and divine intervention.

The controversy followed a viral video in which Michael accused Udeh of refusing to settle him after ten years of service. He further alleged that his former master threatened his family, accused him of theft, and attempted to frame him for crimes that could land him in prison.

Appearing before the Blessed Sacrament at the Holy Trinity Catholic, Independence Layout, Enugu, Udeh rejected the allegations, insisting that his innocence was best demonstrated before God. He described Michael’s claims as “false, diversionary, and sentimental.”

According to Udeh, Michael was introduced to him by his elder brother, who was then serving as an apprentice at a pharmacy in Enugu. He said he had initially resisted taking on another apprentice due to a previous bad experience but later agreed after Michael pledged loyalty before Rev. Fr. Okunerere in Nsukka.

“I made it clear to his brother that if Mike stole from me, I would send him home. They all agreed. He eventually stayed eight years and six months, not ten years as he claims. I also did not take him to any shrine for oath taking as he claimed but at Rev. Fr. Okunerere in Nsukka,” Udeh said.

He alleged that Michael was denied settlement after being linked to a burglary at his shop. “We recovered goods worth N1.8 million within two days. The suspect caught with the goods confessed that Mike asked him to disappear and never return,” Udeh stated, adding that the market union had intervened in the case.

On allegations that he made derogatory remarks about the people of Ebonyi State, Udeh dismissed them as attempts to incite ethnic sentiments. “I couldn’t have said that even in my dream. My younger brother’s wife is from Ebonyi, and I have many friends from there who can attest to my goodwill. Igbo is one,” he maintained.

Udeh further claimed that investigators discovered three bank accounts operated by Michael while still under apprenticeship.

“He told his brother that the money discovered in one of the accounts came from tips given by customers. His brother confirmed it. Have you ever seen where a serving apprentice runs multiple bank accounts?” he asked.

He called on the Virgin Mary to vindicate him and vowed to pursue all lawful means to recover losses allegedly incurred during Michael’s service. (The Guardian)