Nigerian Student Dies After Being Drugged by Friend on His Birthday in Ebonyi

A 23-year-old Nigerian student from the Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana, Ebonyi State, was allegedly drugged to death on his birthday by his friend. The student, identified as Chinedu Hope, was reportedly lured to a hideout operated by a drug baron known as Yoko in Umuodudu Ibeku.

According to police reports, Chinedu’s friend, Dan, persuaded him to visit the hideout. Upon arriving, Chinedu decided to wait in Dan’s keke (tricycle) while his friend entered the bunk. After a long wait, Chinedu went inside to find Dan, only to be confronted by Yoko and four others who were using drugs. Chinedu did not use hard drugs and refused to partake, which led to a violent altercation.

Mrs. Stella Ogbonnaya, Dan’s mother, recounted that Yoko ordered the others to tie Chinedu’s hands and legs with ropes. They then forced a mix of methamphetamine and other drugs into Chinedu’s mouth, using a hammer to make him swallow the substance. Afterward, the attackers threw him into a pit, where he struggled and shouted for help, saying, “My stomach, my stomach.” Realizing he was struggling to breathe, a young man named Aham was called to assist. He took Chinedu to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the incident, stating that detectives had visited the scene, and the body was taken to the mortuary for an autopsy. She added that suspects connected to the crime had been arrested, and a discreet investigation is ongoing.