The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of Nnaji Izuchukwu, who sustained gunshot injuries during a police operation at Bull Hotel, Asata, Enugu.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, also led to the arrest of ten suspects, including an alleged drug dealer identified as Nworie Chidera Kelvin, popularly known as Akidi.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said the Commissioner had directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether the use of firearms complied with operational standards and applicable laws.
According to the statement, preliminary findings indicate that the operatives raided the hotel based on credible intelligence that Akidi, who was allegedly linked to drug peddling and the Vikings Confraternity, was lodged there with his associates.
The police said Akidi was also suspected of keeping firearms and other criminal tools belonging to his gang and had been linked to cases involving alleged unlawful possession of firearms and cultism.
The statement added that the ten suspects arrested during the operation, comprising males and females aged between seventeen and twenty-eight years, were found with quantities of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis, a weighing scale believed to be used for measuring illicit drugs, and forty-three thousand four hundred naira in cash.
The police said Izuchukwu and another suspect allegedly jumped through a window in an attempt to escape during the operation.
According to the statement, an operative pursuing the suspects was allegedly confronted by both men, who reportedly attempted to disarm him.
The firearm discharged during the ensuing struggle, leaving Izuchukwu with gunshot injuries, while the other suspect escaped.
Izuchukwu was subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead. His remains have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The Commissioner of Police has appealed to the deceased’s family, associates and other concerned persons to remain calm while the investigation continues.
Giwa assured that any police officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.
He also reiterated the command’s commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct and strict adherence to established operational standards, particularly those governing the use of firearms during police operations.
