Nnaemeka Ugwu, a patent medicine trader, died at the Nsukka Area Command while visiting to obtain the release of his imprisoned wife, according to confirmation from the Enugu State Police Command.
However, the command refuted claims in a statement released on Tuesday that its staff at the Nsukka Area Command tortured the deceased, who was from Umuezejor, Obollo-Afor in the Udenu Local Government Area, to death.
In a widely shared video, the deceased’s family claimed that when Nnaemeka went to the Nsukka Police Area Command to get his wife out of custody, he was harassed, arrested, and tortured to death by certain police officers.
The state command denied the allegation, claiming that Nnaemeka passed out at the command without being subjected to torture and was taken to a hospital, where he subsequently passed away.
SP Daniel Ndukwe, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, said claims that he was tortured to death false and an effort to mislead the public.
“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 collaboration with the Neighborhood 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, 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.
“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.”
According to Ndukwe, the commissioner urged the community, especially the young people, to work with the police, keep the peace, and voice their complaints and concerns through the proper channels.