- His death came while he attempted to secure his wife’s release from custody
The Enugu State Police Command has denied allegations that officers tortured a patent medicine dealer, Nnaemeka Ugwu, to death while he attempted to secure his wife’s release from custody.
Ugwu, from Umuezejor, Obollo-Afor in Udenu Local Government Area, reportedly collapsed at the Nsukka Area Command and was taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
His death has sparked public outrage, with claims that he was manhandled by police operatives. However, police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe dismissed the allegations as “misleading” and aimed at misinforming the public.
“The command unequivocally states that Nnaemeka was never arrested, nor was he harassed, tortured, or killed in police custody, as alleged,” Ndukwe said.
He explained that officers had been investigating an armed robbery case, which led to the arrest of several suspects, including Ugwu’s wife, Ngozi. When Ugwu visited the police station on 7 February to seek her release, he reportedly collapsed suddenly and was rushed to hospital, where he died.
The Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and urged the public to remain calm.