The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death of a patent medicine dealer, Nnaemeka Ugwu, at the Nsukka Area Command while attempting to secure the release of his detained wife. However, the command has firmly denied allegations that he was tortured to death by its personnel.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the police refuted claims made in a viral video by relatives of the deceased, who alleged that Nnaemeka was harassed, detained, and tortured to death by officers. The state command insisted that he collapsed at the station without any physical abuse and was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the allegations of torture were misleading and intended to deceive the public. Providing further details, Ndukwe stated that Nnaemeka had never been arrested, harassed, or mistreated in any way while at the police command.
The police explained that operatives, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, had initially arrested a suspect, Jerry Uche, for alleged armed robbery and motorcycle theft.
Further investigations led to the apprehension of three more suspects: Emenike Ezugwu (alias Eternal), Omeje Chidera (alias Dakpor), and Omeje Obinna (alias Obaino).
During the operations, law enforcement officers recovered three locally made pistols, including a revolver, two live cartridges, three stolen motorcycles, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and plastic bottles used for consuming methamphetamine (commonly called ‘Mkpụrụ Mmiri’).
As the investigation progressed, one of the suspects led officers to Obollo-Afor in Udenu Local Government Area, where suspected buyers of the stolen motorcycles were arrested.
Among them was Uroko Ifeanyi Moses (alias Sim-Card), who allegedly confessed to the crime and aided in the recovery of two stolen motorcycles. Mr. Nnaemeka’s wife, Ngozi Nnaemeka, was also arrested in connection with the case.
The police maintained that on February 7, 2025, Nnaemeka visited the Area Command Headquarters with a local leader, Hon Onyemaechi, to secure his wife’s release.
During the visit, he suddenly collapsed and was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor. His remains have been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and directed the deputy commissioner in charge of the State CID to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of Nnaemeka’s sudden collapse and death.
CP Uzuegbu has also urged the community, especially the youth, to cooperate with the police, maintain peace, and use lawful channels to express their concerns rather than resorting to speculation and unrest.
As investigations continue, the true cause of Nnaemeka Ugwu’s death remains a contentious issue, fueling tensions between the authorities and the grieving family.