Imo State Police Command has denied reports on social media that operatives of its Anti-kidnapping Unit, known as Tiger Base, tortured a terror suspect, Magnus Ejiogu, to death.
Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said in a statement issued in Owerri on Sunday that the report was false and aimed at tarnishing the image of the force.
DSP Okoye identified the deceased, also known as Emu, aged 49, as a native of Obudi Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area and alleged financier of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He said Mr Ejiogu was linked to several attacks, including the killing of the traditional ruler of Abudi Agwa, Eze Ignatius Asor, in 2022 and the attack on Agwa Police Station in the same year, which led to the death of five police officers, including a pregnant policewoman.
According to Okoye, investigation into the case had been concluded and approved for prosecution on October 20, but the arraignment was delayed due to the warning strike by members of the judiciary.
He said that on October 23, while awaiting arraignment, Ejiogu suddenly became ill and was taken to the Police Clinic in Amakohia, Owerri, before being referred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri.
“He was immediately rushed to the Police Clinic, Amakohia, Owerri, before being referred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, for medical attention,” he said.
Okoye said Ejiogu was confirmed dead by a medical practitioner and that his body had been deposited in the hospital mortuary for autopsy to determine the cause of death.
“In spite the best efforts of the medical team, a qualified medical practitioner later confirmed the suspect dead. His body has been deposited in the hospital mortuary for a full autopsy to determine the definitive medical cause of his death.”
He maintained that the suspect was not tortured or denied access to his family or lawyer during detention.
Okoye added that for transparency, the commissioner of police, Aboki Danjuma, had directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to determine the medical cause of death.
He urged the public to disregard unverified reports capable of undermining confidence in law enforcement, adding that the command remains committed to justice and accountability.
