However, the command denied allegations that Nnaemeka was tortured to death by police personnel.
The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death of Nnaemeka Ugwu, a patent medicine dealer who died at the Nsukka Area Command.
However, the command denied allegations that Nnaemeka was tortured to death by police personnel.
According to a statement by Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer SP Daniel Ndukwe, Nnaemeka visited the Nsukka Police Area Command to secure the release of his wife, who was detained in connection with a case involving stolen motorcycles.
While at the command, Nnaemeka suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
Ndukwe claimed that reports that Nnaemeka was harassed, detained, and tortured are nkt true, stating that these allegations are intended to mislead the public.
He quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, to have sympathised with Nnaemeka's family and ordered a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Giving the detailed account of the incident, Ndukwe stated: “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.”
He 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.”
"The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, 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."
Ndukwe quoted the commissioner to have appealed to the members of the community, including the youth, to cooperate with the police, maintain peace, and use appropriate channels to express their grievances and concerns.
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