Police arrest FUTO students over death of 21-year-old accused of stealing N13,500

The Imo State Police Command has arrested three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, over the death of a 21-year-old undergraduate, Chinedu Christogonus, who was allegedly assaulted after being accused of stealing N13,500.

Christogonus, a 100-level Cyber Security student, reportedly died on Saturday after he was allegedly restrained and beaten by members of the university’s Man O’ War organisation.

His death sparked outrage on the campus, with angry students reportedly going on a rampage, burning buildings and destroying property within the university.

Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Saturday.

He identified the suspects as Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21; Kelechi Ikenna, 24; and Obioma Anastasia, 21.

According to the police, all three suspects are 500-level students of FUTO.

Okoye said preliminary investigations revealed that Christogonus was allegedly assaulted after being accused of stealing N13,500.

The police said the student sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

“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,” the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, was said to have ordered immediate action after the incident was reported.

The suspects were subsequently arrested, while relevant evidence was secured by police operatives.

The corpse of the deceased has also been deposited in the morgue for preservation and autopsy.

Bosso has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Owerri, for a comprehensive investigation.

He also directed that all persons connected to the incident be identified and investigated.

The police commissioner assured the family of the deceased, the university community and the public that the command would uncover the full circumstances surrounding the death.

He said no one found culpable would be protected from the law.

“No individual, regardless of status, will be shielded from the law if found culpable,” the police said.

The command appealed to students and members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its course.

The death of Christogonus has raised fresh concerns over alleged jungle justice, student safety and the activities of campus security groups in Nigerian tertiary institutions.