The Enugu State Police Command has denied torturing a patent medicine dealer, one Nnaemeka Ugwu of Umuezejor, Obollo-Afor in Udenu Local Government Area to death.
The deceased was alleged to have been harassed, detained, and tortured to death when he went to Nsukka Area Command of NPF to secure the release of his wife who was detained at the custody of the police.
His death has attracted multiple reactions, including comments that he died while being manhandled by the operatives
However, the state command has debunked the speculation, saying the deceased slumped at the command without being tortured, and was rushed to a hospital where he died.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the reports that he was tortured to death were misleading and intended to mislead the public.
Ndukwe stated that, “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 synergy 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).
“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.”
Ndukwe stated that on February 7, 2025, Nnaemeka, accompanied by one Hon Onyemaechi, visited the Area Command Headquarters to secure his wife’s release.
According to Ndukwe, “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.”
Meanwhile, 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.
He urged community members, including the youth, to cooperate with the police, maintain peace, and use appropriate channels to express their concerns.
