How man died in bid to bail detained wife – Police
The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death of a patent medicine dealer, Nnaemeka Ugwu, at the Nsukka Area Command during a visit to secure the release of his detained wife.
The command, in a statement, on Tuesday, however, denied that the deceased, who hailed from Umuezejor, Obollo-Afor in Udenu Local Government Area was tortured to death by its officers at the Nsukka Area Command.
Relations of the deceased in a viral video had alleged that some policemen harassed, detained, and tortured Nnaemeka to death when he visited the Nsukka Police Area Command to secure the release of his wife who was detained in the custody of the police.
However, the state command denied the report, stating that Nnaemeka slumped at the command without being tortured, and was rushed to a hospital where he died.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said the reports that the victim was tortured to death were misleading and intended to mislead the public.
Giving an 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, the 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 “Mkporo 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.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, 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.”
Ndukwe quoted the CP to have appealed to the members of the community, including the youths, to cooperate with the police, maintain peace, and use appropriate channels to express their grievances and concerns.
