Man Dies at Enugu Police Station While Seeking Wife’s Release

The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death of Nnaemeka Ugwu, a patent medicine dealer, at the Nsukka Area Command while attempting to secure the release of his detained wife.

However, the police denied allegations that Ugwu was tortured to death, insisting that he collapsed unexpectedly and was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The incident has sparked controversy, with a viral video circulating online in which the deceased’s relatives claim that he was harassed, detained, and tortured by officers at the Nsukka Police Area Command. In response, the state command dismissed these claims as misleading, stating that Ugwu was neither arrested nor harmed in custody.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the case stemmed from an ongoing investigation into an alleged armed robbery operation. Officers, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, had earlier arrested a suspect named Jerry Uche, 27, in connection with stolen motorcycles. Further investigations led to the arrest of three additional suspects—Emenike Ezugwu (alias Eternal, 28), Omeje Chidera (alias Dakpor, 27), and Omeje Obinna (alias Obaino, 37).

During the operation, law enforcement recovered three locally made pistols, including a revolver, two live cartridges, three stolen motorcycles, and suspected illicit substances, including Indian hemp and plastic-piped bottles used for consuming methamphetamine, locally known as Mkpụrụ Mmiri. One of the suspects later led police to Obollo-Afor, Udenu Local Government Area, where alleged receivers of stolen motorcycles were arrested. Among those taken into custody was Uroko Ifeanyi Moses (alias Sim-Card, 28), who reportedly confessed to the crime and facilitated the recovery of two stolen motorcycles. The police further confirmed that Ugwu’s wife, Ngozi Nnaemeka, was also arrested in connection with the case.

Police stated that Ugwu, accompanied by a man identified as Hon Onyemaechi, had visited the Nsukka Area Command on February 7, 2025, to seek his wife’s release. During the visit, he suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors later confirmed his death. His remains have since been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

In reaction to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, expressed condolences to Ugwu’s family and ordered the deputy commissioner in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a discreet investigation into the circumstances of his sudden collapse and death. The police also urged the public, particularly the youth, to remain calm and use appropriate channels to address their grievances.