Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus, a 100-level student at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, reportedly died after allegedly being assaulted while in the custody of members of the Man O’ War organisation within the institution.
Sources within the university alleged that the Cyber Security student was apprehended over claims that he stole N13,500 and was later subjected to torture.
Speaking anonymously, a source claimed that the student passed away on Saturday as a result of the alleged assault.
“They said he stole N13,500, arrested him and started torturing him until he died on Saturday,” the source alleged.
The same source further stated, “The Man O’ War people are fond of harassing and maltreating students without justification.”
However, another source offered a different account, claiming that the student’s arrest followed allegations that he had been caught cooking in his hostel room.
The incident reportedly triggered protests among students, who damaged some property on campus. It was also gathered that the protesters set fire to the Man O’ War office within the university.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident and announced the arrest of three suspects linked to the student’s death.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, preliminary findings revealed that the deceased was assaulted by members of the organisation after being accused of theft.
Okoye stated that the deceased, who was also a member of the Man O’ War organisation, sustained severe injuries during the assault and was later pronounced dead at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri.
“Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged murder of a 21-year-old student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus, whose death occurred under suspicious circumstances on May 30, 2026,” Okoye said.
The suspects were identified as Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21; Kelechi Gospel Ikenna, 24; and Obioma Anastasia, 21, all final-year students of FUTO.
“Initial findings indicate that the deceased was allegedly restrained and assaulted, resulting in critical injuries. He was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel,” the statement added.
Okoye explained that after receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, ordered immediate intervention, which led to the arrest of the suspects.
He added that relevant evidence had been recovered and that the body had been deposited in a morgue pending preservation and autopsy.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that the Commissioner directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for a thorough investigation.
“The Commissioner further directed that all persons connected to the incident be identified and investigated, with a view to ensuring that justice is served,” Okoye stated.
He also assured the deceased’s family, the university community, and the general public that the command would remain committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the death and ensuring that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.