Enugu CP Orders Investigation On Nnaji’s Death During Police Operation, Urges Calm
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, has ordered an investigation into death of Izuchukwu Nnaji during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent-Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
This is contained in a statement issued in Enugu by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Daniel Ndukwe, on behalf of the commissioner.
The commissioner also directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to establish the facts of the incident.
He urged the SID to determine whether the operation and use of firearms complied with established operational standards and extant laws.
“Preliminary findings indicate that operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided Bull Hotel, Asata, Enugu, where Kelvin Nworie, a.k.a. “Akidi,” an alleged notorious drug peddler and Vikings Confraternity member, was lodged with associates.
“Akidi is reportedly linked to multiple cases involving unlawful firearm possession and cultism, including one in which he was charged in absentia. He was also suspected of keeping the gang’s firearms and other criminal tools.
“The operation led to the arrest of Akidi and nine other suspects, comprising males and females aged between 17 and 28.
“Quantities of dried weeds suspected to be “loud” cannabis, a weighing scale suspected to be used for measuring illicit drugs, and ₦43,400 in various denominations were recovered,” he said.
He said that during the operation, Nnaji and another suspect jumped through a window in an attempt to escape; while pursuing them, an operative was confronted by both suspects, who allegedly attempted to disarm him.
According to him, in the ensuing struggle, the operative firearm discharged, leaving Nnaji with gunshot injuries, while the other suspect escaped.
He said that Nnaji was rushed to hospital, where he was later confirmed dead; while his remains had been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The state police boss urged the deceased’s family, associates and other concerned persons to remain calm.
The commissioner assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.
He reiterated that professionalism, ethical conduct and strict adherence to operational standards, particularly those governing the use of firearms, must never be compromised in any police operation.
