The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a man, Nnaji Izuchukwu, during a police operation at a hotel in Asata, Enugu.
The deceased reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during an intelligence-led operation conducted by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said Giwa had directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department to establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine whether the operation and use of firearms complied with established operational standards and applicable laws.
According to the police, preliminary findings indicated that the operatives raided Bull Hotel, Asata, following intelligence reports about the activities of one Nworie Chidera Kelvin, popularly known as “Akidi,” who was described by the command as an alleged drug dealer and member of the Vikings Confraternity.
The police alleged that Akidi was linked to multiple cases involving unlawful possession of firearms and cultism and was suspected of keeping firearms and other criminal tools belonging to his gang.
The operation reportedly resulted in the arrest of Akidi and nine other suspects, comprising males and females aged between 17 and 28.
The command said quantities of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis, popularly known as “loud,” a weighing scale suspected to be used for measuring illicit drugs, and ₦43,400 in various denominations were recovered during the operation.
Ndukwe said that during the raid, Izuchukwu and another suspect allegedly jumped through a window in an attempt to escape.
He added that an operative pursuing the suspects was allegedly confronted by the two men, who reportedly attempted to disarm him.
“During the ensuing struggle, the firearm discharged, leaving Nnaji with gunshot injuries, while the other suspect escaped,” the statement said.
The injured man was subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead. His remains have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Reacting to the incident, Giwa urged the deceased’s family, associates and other concerned persons to remain calm while the investigation continues.
He assured them that the circumstances surrounding the death would be thoroughly examined and that any police officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.
The commissioner reiterated that professionalism, ethical conduct and strict compliance with operational standards, particularly regulations governing the use of firearms, must be upheld during police operations.
The police said the investigation was aimed at establishing the facts of the incident and determining whether the actions of the operatives complied with the law.
