BREAKING: Lady Exposes De Native Food Restaurant CEO for Sexual Harassment, Says Her Life Is At Serious Risk In what can only be described as a gross abuse of power and a disgusting display of moral bankruptcy, a young lady from Abia State has come forward with shocking allegations against the CEO of De Native Food Restaurant, Mr. Iroegbu Emenike.
The lady, who identified herself as Nkechi Kalu Udume, a native of Ohafia, shared her harrowing experience on February 5th, 2025, while seeking temporary employment as she awaited her NYSC call-up letter.
According to her, a friend had informed her of an opening for a chef at the popular restaurant located in Umuahia. Eager to be productive during her waiting period, Nkechi proceeded to the restaurant, completely unaware of the humiliating encounter that awaited her.
“When I got there, I met Mr. Iroegbu Emenike. He introduced himself as the CEO and took me into his office for what I assumed was a standard job interview. But I was horribly mistaken,” she recalled.
What followed next was nothing short of appalling.
“After some time navigating his computer, he turned to me and said, ‘Young lady, I have a criterion for hiring. If you want to work here, you must sleep with me for three days. If not, consider yourself out of this job.’”
Shocked and overwhelmed, Nkechi left the office in disbelief.
“I couldn’t believe such vile words came from a man running a public food business. I told him I would think about it, just so I could escape the situation unharmed. I left and never returned.”
She expressed gratitude to God for her safety, acknowledging how easily the situation could have turned worse”.
“I thank God I wasn’t raped. But I still carry the weight of that moment. It could’ve been me, or it could’ve been any other desperate young woman trying to make ends meet.”
This disturbing revelation throws a glaring spotlight on the unchecked sexual exploitation young Nigerian women face in the workplace. That a business owner in broad daylight could attempt to commodify employment in exchange for sex is not just criminal, it is inhumane.
This isn’t just a case of sexual harassment. It’s a weaponization of economic desperation. A manipulation of power. A disgrace to any moral or cultural value.
If true, Mr. Iroegbu Emenike should be held accountable. Such individuals should have no place running public businesses, especially ones that employ vulnerable workers or cater to the public.
As this allegation surfaces, it begs the question: how many more women have suffered in silence? How many have been coerced into similar situations and felt too powerless to speak up?
Sexual harassment and workplace abuse remain rampant in Nigeria, and too often, the perpetrators walk freely while victims are shamed into silence.
If we must build a society of dignity and justice, this culture of silence and impunity must end. The relevant authorities, including the National Human Rights Commission, FIDA, and law enforcement agencies, must investigate this claim thoroughly and ensure justice is served.
Nkechi Kalu Udume has spoken out courageously, and her voice must not be drowned in the noise of apathy. Her experience is not an isolated one, it is a symptom of a decaying system that must be uprooted.
We call on civil society organizations, women advocacy groups, and concerned citizens to demand accountability. It is not just about one restaurant in Umuahia, it’s about ending a culture of exploitation that preys on the vulnerable.
This must not go unpunished
