The family of one Mr Ebuka Obiorah from Enugwu-Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area has accused the Anambra State Police Command of causing their son’s death at the Awkuzu Police Station and have vowed to challenge it in court.
They said they had engaged legal representation as they believed the death of Ebuka, who was reportedly in good health, was both tragic and unjust.
Daily Trust reports that the Awkuzu Police Station, previously the headquarters of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), is regaining a notorious reputation following recent events.
Reports indicated that Ebuka, who had travelled from his base in 33, Onitsha, to his village, did not return alive. His family was informed by the police of his death.
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Ebuka’s brother, Maduka Obiorah, claimed that his sibling was wrongly arrested.
Maduka explained that they were unaware of Ebuka’s detention at the Otuocha Police Station until a released friend informed them.
He said, “I saw my brother healthy at the Awkuzu Police Station. 24 hours later, the police told us he had died in their custody. My brother was initially detained at Otuocha Police Station for four days before being transferred to SARS, Awkuzu. I visited him on Friday with a lawyer but could not secure his bail. On Saturday, I tried again, but by Sunday, he was dead. We need an explanation for his death. This is a devastating loss for our family.”
Maduka added that Ebuka, who lived in 33, Onitsha, had returned to his village for family ceremonies and had planned to stay with his in-laws before returning. And that after several days of no contact, the family was shocked to learn of his detention due to a mistaken identity.
He further said, “Ebuka’s phone was missing, and he was unable to contact us. We later discovered through a friend that he was detained at Otuocha. We were told by police that there was a mix-up, and my brother was confused with another individual. Despite efforts to bail him out, we were only informed of his death after his transfer to Awkuzu.”
Maduka criticised the police for their handling of the situation, alleging that his brother’s leg was broken while in custody and expressed frustration over the lack of support from community leaders.
Anambra State police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was not yet briefed on the matter.
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