Enugu state police command has confirmed the death of a man identified as Nnaemeka Ugwu from Umuezejor, Obollo-Afor in Udenu Local Government Area.
Mr. Ugwu was reportedly a patent medicine dealer who died at the Nsukka area command when he was seeking the release of his wife who was detained.
Issuing a statement on Tuesday, the command denied allegations that Mr. Ugwu had been tortured to death by personnel of the Nsukka area command.
However, family of the deceased in a viral video, claimed the police command when he went to beg for his wife to be released, tortured him mercilessly which led to his death.
Debunking the claim, the Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Daniel Ndukwe said the allegation is misleading and false.
“The command unequivocally states that Nnaemeka was never arrested, nor was he harassed, tortured, or killed in police custody, as alleged.
“Contrary to these allegations, operatives attached to the Nsukka Area Command, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, initially arrested one Jerry Uche (male, aged 27) for alleged armed robbery and the snatching and sale of stolen motorcycles. Further investigations led to the arrest of three more male suspects: Emenike Ezugwu (alias Eternal, aged 28), Omeje Chidera (alias Dakpor, aged 27), and Omeje Obinna (alias Obaino, aged 37),” he said.
Apparently, according to the statement of SP Ndukwe, Mr. Nnaemeka’s wife was arrested in connection with the aforementioned case clearing that the deceased had slumped and died at the station and was rushed to the hospital.
“Following their confessions, one of the suspects led operatives to Obollo-Afor, Udenu LGA, where individuals suspected of receiving stolen motorcycles were apprehended on February 6, 2025. Consequently, one Uroko Ifeanyi Moses (alias Sim-Card, aged 28) was identified and arrested. He confessed to the crime and led the operatives to recover two of the stolen motorcycles in Obollo-Afor. Other suspects were also arrested, including Mr Nnaemeka’s wife, Ngozi”.
“On February 7, 2025, Nnaemeka, accompanied by one Hon Onyemaechi, visited the Area Command Headquarters to secure his wife’s release. During the visit, Nnaemeka suddenly collapsed. He was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment but was later confirmed dead by the attending doctor. His remains have been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” he said.
On the other hand, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, sympathised with the family and relatives of the deceased.
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