Ateneo player posts bail on abuse rap

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo de Manila University basketball player Chibueze Ikeh posted P24,000 bail with the Quezon City regional trial court (RTC) yesterday afternoon in connection with charges filed against him by his ex-girlfriend.

He was fetched from jail by Ateneo athletic office director Emmanuel Fernandez, assistant coach Yuri Escueta and team manager Epok Quimpo.

Ikeh was arrested by members of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) warrant and subpoena section at the Araneta Coliseum after Ateneo’s victory over the UP Fighting Maroons Wednesday night.

The arrest warrant was issued by RTC Branch 102 Judge Maria Lourdes Giron on the charge of violating Section 5(h) of Republic Act 9262, the Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

A resolution signed by assistant city prosecutor Ulric Badiola states that the complainant came to know  Ikeh “through her professional dealings with Ateneo.” 

The resolution stated that Ikeh and the complainant became sweethearts and the player allegedly started asking money from her on several occasions and managed to receive $1,034.88.

On June 29, 2014, Ikeh reportedly cursed at the complainant when she wanted him to return her mobile phone. He threw the mobile phone to the ground, destroying it, according to the resolution.

In a separate two-page certification dated Aug. 11, Badiola stated that Ikeh “willfully, unlawfully and feloniously shouted invectives” at his ex-girlfriend and caused her “substantial emotional and… psychological distress.”

During the scheduled preliminary investigation of the case, Ikeh failed to attend the hearing and submit his counter-affidavit despite having been duly subpoenaed “hence the case was deemed submitted for resolution,” Badiola said.

Meanwhile, Fernandez said Ikeh will still play in Ateneo’s game against De La Salle University on Sunday. 

He said the case against Ikeh is a “private matter,” and believes there is no reason for them to conduct a separate investigation. 

Fernandez said Ikeh’s actions are not a subject of concern as compared with his teammate, John Apacible, who was suspended after a video of his drunken antics went viral on the Internet.