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By Iheanyi Chukwudi
The Enugu State Police Command has exonerated itself of any complicity in the death of a patent medicine dealer, Mr. Nnaemeka Ugwu.
Ugwu who jails from Umuezejor, Obollo-Afor in Udenu Local Government, was alleged on a viral media report to have died in police custody after being arrested, harassed and detained.
But the Command in a statement, issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe (SP), said Ugwu collapsed at the Nsukka Area Command, where he went to secure the release of his wife who was arrested in connection to criminal case and later confirmed dead in the hospital.
The Command stated unequivocally that Mr. Nnaemeka was never arrested, nor was he harassed, tortured, or killed in police custody, describing the allegation that he died in Police custody as false.
Ndukwe's statement reads in parts, "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.
"On February 7, 2025, Mr. Nnaemeka, accompanied by one Hon. Onyemaechi, visited the Area Command Headquarters to secure his wife's release. During the visit, Mr. 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 disclosed that while the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, had sympathised with the family and relatives of the deceased, he has equally directed the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the State CID to conduct a discreet investigation to establish the circumstances of Mr. Nnaemeka's sudden collapse and death.
The CP he further said urges community members, including the youths, to cooperate with the police, maintain peace, and use appropriate channels to express their concerns.
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