Crime

See How Keke Rider and Father of Two Were Allegedly Tortured to Death by Police in Enugu

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 11th, 2024.

See How Keke Rider and Father of Two Were Allegedly Tortured to Death by Police in Enugu

Nigeria Police

The family of Kingsley Agwuna is calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of police officers from the Unity Police Station in Ibagwa Nike, Enugu State, following his tragic death. They have urged the National Assembly, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to look into the circumstances surrounding his death, which they claim remains suspicious.

Kingsley Agwuna’s family accuses the police of brutality, wrongful arrest, and various human rights violations. They assert that Kingsley was arrested on September 5, 2024, at a local bar in Nkwo Nike by officers led by DSP Christian Uche Okeke. According to the family, Kingsley was taken into custody without being given a chance to defend himself against any charges.

In a petition to the Human Rights Commission, Kingsley’s brother, Ernest C. Agwuna, detailed the alleged police misconduct: “I am writing this petition with deep distress to highlight the extreme acts of police brutality and inhumane treatment that led to the horrific death of my brother, Mr. Kingsley Agwuna. The officers involved were D.S.P Christian Uche Okeke and Inspector Romanus Ugwuanyi, both from the Unity Police Station in Ibagwa Nike.”

Ernest recounted how Kingsley was wrongfully arrested while police were supposedly targeting revenue collectors. He described how Kingsley was taken to the station that night and charged the next day, but since his family was not notified, they couldn’t post bail. Consequently, he was remanded in prison.

Upon arriving at the prison, officials noticed numerous bruises on Kingsley’s body, indicating he had been severely beaten. The warders refused to accept him until the police wrote a report detailing his condition. Tragically, Kingsley was later reported dead, with friends confirming the news.

Ernest further explained that after reaching out to the police for information, Inspector Ugwuanyi denied involvement, despite being identified as the Investigating Police Officer for Kingsley’s case. When Ernest visited the Unity Police Station to seek answers, he was met with denial from the officers involved.

The family alleges that Kingsley was beaten with a wooden plank, resulting in serious injuries, including a deep cut on his head. They claim this treatment violates both Nigerian law and international human rights standards.

In light of these allegations, the Agwuna family is demanding an independent investigation into the police’s actions and the prosecution of those responsible for Kingsley’s death.

However, the Enugu State Police Command has denied these accusations. DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that there are no records of wrongful arrest, torture, or any death occurring at the mentioned police station.