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.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the command, however, denied allegations that the deceased, who hailed from Umuezejor, Obollo-Afor in Udenu Local Government Area, was tortured to death by its personnel at the Nsukka Area Command.

Relatives of the deceased, in a viral video, 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 in custody.

However, the state command refuted the claim, stating that Nnaemeka collapsed at the command without being tortured and was rushed to a hospital, where he later died.

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The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, described reports that he was tortured to death as misleading and an attempt to deceive the public.

Providing 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 collaboration 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’).

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“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.”

Ndukwe added that contrary to viral rumours, the deceased collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.

“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.”

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Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP 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 commissioner as appealing to community members, including the youth, to cooperate with the police, maintain peace, and use appropriate channels to express their grievances and concerns.