The Imo State Police Command has arrested three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) in connection with the alleged killing of a 21-year-old undergraduate, Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus.
Christogonus, a 100-level Cyber Security student and member of the university’s Man O’ War organisation, reportedly died after he was allegedly assaulted by fellow members of the group over accusations that he stole N13,500.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Imo State, DSP Henry Okoye, said preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was allegedly restrained and subjected to severe assault, which resulted in fatal injuries.
The police identified the suspects as Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21, Kelechi Gospel Ikenna, 24, and Obioma Anastasia, 21, all 500-level students of FUTO.
According to Okoye, the victim was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, following the assault but was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the deceased, a 100-level student of Cyber Security and a member of the Man O’ War organisation in FUTO, was allegedly subjected to severe assault by some members of the organisation following an accusation of theft involving the sum of N13,500.
“Initial findings indicate that the deceased was allegedly restrained and assaulted, resulting in critical injuries. He was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel,” the police spokesman stated.
The command said the arrests were made on the directive of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Garba Bosso, shortly after the incident was reported.
Police authorities disclosed that relevant evidence has been recovered, while the victim’s remains have been deposited in a morgue pending preservation and autopsy.
The commissioner has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for a comprehensive investigation.
Bosso also directed investigators to identify and question all persons connected to the incident, stressing that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He assured the deceased’s family, the university community and the public that the command would carry out a thorough and professional investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
The police commissioner further stated that no individual would be shielded from prosecution regardless of status and urged residents to remain calm while investigations continue.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring that all those responsible for the incident are brought to justice.
