The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the de@th of a patent medicine dealer, Nnaemeka Ugwu, at the Nsukka Area Command during a visit to secure the release of his detained wife.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 11, the command denied allegations that Nnaemeka, a native of Umuezejor, Obollo-Afor in Udenu Local Government Area, was tortured to death by its personnel. This followed claims from the deceased’s relatives, in a viral video, that policemen harassed, detained, and tortured him to death during his visit.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, refuted the allegations, stating that Nnaemeka collapsed at the command and was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“The command unequivocally states that Nnaemeka was never arrested, nor was he harassed, tortured, or killed in police custody, as alleged,” Ndukwe said.
Providing details of the incident, he explained, “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).”
Ndukwe added that during the operations, police recovered three locally made pistols, including a revolver, two live cartridges, three stolen motorcycles, suspected Indian hemp, and methamphetamine paraphernalia.
He further explained that confessions from one of the suspects led operatives to Obollo-Afor in Udenu Local Government Area, where they apprehended individuals suspected of receiving stolen motorcycles, including Nnaemeka’s wife, Ngozi Nnaemeka.
“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,” Ndukwe said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and ordered an investigation into the incident.
“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,” Ndukwe stated.
The commissioner also appealed to the community, particularly the youth, to maintain peace and use appropriate channels to express their grievances and concerns.
