The Enugu State Police has denied allegations of harassment, arrest, detention, torture, and death of a patent medicine dealer in police custody.
The Police spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, said that the viral media report alleging that a patent medicine dealer, Mr. Nnaemeka Ugwu of Umuezejor, Obollo-Afor in Udenu LGA, was arrested, harassed, detained, and died in police custody was false and intended to mislead the public.
He added: “The Command unequivocally states that Mr. 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, 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, 28, alias Eternal, Omeje Chidera, 27, alias Dakpor, and Omeje Obinna, 37, alias Obaino. 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, 28 alias Sim-Card, 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.”
Ndukwe further explained that 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 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 stated: “The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has sympathised with the family and relatives of the deceased. He has also 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. He urges community members, including the youth, to cooperate with the police, maintain peace, and use appropriate channels to express their concerns.”
