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The Imo State Police Command has arrested three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, in connection with the alleged murder of a 21-year-old undergraduate, Chinedu Christogonus.
The deceased, a 100-level student of Cyber Security, was reportedly beaten to death on Saturday by members of the university’s Man O’ War organisation for allegedly stealing N13,500.
The incident triggered unrest in the university as students went on the rampage, burning buildings and destroying other property on the campus.
Confirming the incident to Sunday PUNCH in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Henry Okoye, said preliminary investigations revealed that Christogonus was allegedly assaulted by some Man O’ War members after he was accused of stealing N13,500.
Okoye identified the suspects arrested in connection with the incident as Chukwuemeka Benedict (21), Kelechi Ikenna (24), and Obioma Anastasia (21), all of whom are 500-level students of FUTO.
According to the police, initial findings indicated that the deceased was allegedly restrained and subjected to severe assault, resulting in critical injuries.
“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.
“Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Audu Bosso, immediately directed operatives to take swift action, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspects. Relevant evidence has been secured, while the corpse has been deposited in the morgue for preservation and autopsy.
“To ensure a thorough, professional, and discreet investigation, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Owerri, for comprehensive investigation. He further directed that all persons connected to the incident be identified and investigated, with a view to ensuring that justice is served.
“The Commissioner of Police assures the family of the deceased, the university community, and members of the public that the Command is fully on top of the situation and remains committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the death. He emphasises that no individual, regardless of status, will be shielded from the law if found culpable,” the statement read.
The police urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its course, reiterating the command’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice.
