The Imo State Police Command has taken three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), into custody following the death of a 100-level undergraduate, Chinedu Christogonus.
Christogonus, a 21-year-old Cyber Security student, reportedly died after he was allegedly subjected to severe physical assault by members of the institution’s Man O’ War group over accusations that he stole ₦13,500.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, sparked tension across the university campus as angry students protested by vandalising property and setting some structures ablaze.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, police said preliminary investigations showed that the deceased was allegedly attacked after being accused of theft.
The suspects arrested in connection with the case were identified as Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21, Kelechi Ikenna, 24, and Obioma Anastasia, 21. All three are final-year students of the institution.
According to the police, initial findings revealed that Christogonus was restrained and severely beaten, leaving him with life-threatening injuries. He was later rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, where doctors confirmed his death.
Following a report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, ordered an immediate operation that led to the arrest of the suspects. Authorities also recovered relevant evidence, while the victim’s body was deposited in a morgue pending an autopsy.
The police commissioner subsequently directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Owerri for a detailed probe. He also instructed investigators to identify and question every individual linked to the incident to ensure justice is served.
Bosso assured the deceased’s family, the university community, and the public that the command would conduct a thorough investigation and that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The command further appealed for calm, urging residents and students to allow investigators to complete their work while reaffirming its commitment to accountability and the rule of law.