Police authorities in Enugu State have denied torturing a patent medicine dealer, Mr. Nnaemeka Ugwu of Umuezejor, Obollo-Afor in Udenu Local Government Area of the State to death.
The deceased was alleged to have been harassed, detained, and tortured to death when he went to Nsukka Area Command to secure the release of his wife who was taken into custody by the police.
His death has attracted multiple reactions, including allegations that he died while being manhandled by the operatives.
But in a statement issued on Tuesday, the command denied allegations that Ugwu was tortured to death by its operatives.
The spokesman of the command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, dismissed the claims, describing them as misleading.
He stated that Ugwu collapsed at the command without being subjected to any form of torture. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead.
While detailing the circumstance surrounding his death, Ndukwe said, “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).
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“During the operations, police recovered three locally made pistols, including a revolver, two live cartridges, three motorcycles allegedly snatched from victims, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and plastic-piped bottles used for consuming methamphetamine (locally known as ‘Mkpụrụ Mmiri’).
“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 Nnaemeka, in connection with the case.”
Speaking further in the statement, Ndukwe added, “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.”
Moreover, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has sympathised with the family and relatives of the deceased.
“He also directed the deputy commissioner in charge of the State CID to conduct a discreet investigation to establish the circumstances of Nnaemeka’s sudden collapse and death.”
The police image maker quoted the commissioner as appealing to community members, including the youth, to cooperate with the police, maintain peace, and use appropriate channels to express their grievances and concerns.
