Undergraduate from FUTO loses life while in Man O' War detention, authorities detain three individuals in connection with incident

A tragic incident has unfolded at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, in Imo State, where 100-level student Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus lost his life after allegedly being assaulted by members of the Man O’ War organisation. The student, who was pursuing a degree in Cyber Security, was reportedly taken into custody over an accusation of stealing N13,500.

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According to sources within the university, the student was subjected to torture, which ultimately led to his death on Saturday, with one source claiming that the Man O’ War organisation is known for harassing and maltreating students without justification. The source alleged that the student was arrested, tortured, and died on Saturday as a result of the alleged assault.

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However, another source suggested that the student’s arrest was actually related to an allegation that he was caught cooking inside his hostel room, which sparked a different account of the events leading up to his death. The incident provoked outrage among students, who took to the streets to protest and reportedly destroyed some property within the university premises.

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The protesting students also set fire to the office of the Man O’ War organisation in the institution, further escalating the situation. The Imo State Police Command has since confirmed the incident and announced that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the student’s death.

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According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was subjected to assault by members of the Man O’ War organisation following an allegation of theft. The deceased, a member of the Man O’ War organisation, sustained critical injuries during the assault and was later confirmed dead at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri.

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Okoye stated that operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged murder of Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus, whose death occurred under suspicious circumstances on May 30, 2026. The suspects have been identified as Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21; Kelechi Gospel Ikenna, 24; and Obioma Anastasia, 21, all 500-level students of FUTO.

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Initial findings indicate that the deceased was allegedly restrained and assaulted, resulting in critical injuries, and was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel. Relevant evidence has been secured, and the corpse has been deposited in a morgue for preservation and autopsy.

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The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Audu Garba Bosso, directed operatives to take immediate action, leading to the arrest of the suspects, and has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for a comprehensive investigation. The Commissioner has also directed that all persons connected to the incident be identified and investigated, with a view to ensuring that justice is served.

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Okoye assured the deceased’s family, the university community, and the public that the command remains committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the death and ensuring that anyone found culpable faces the law. The police are working to provide a thorough account of the events leading up to the student’s death and to hold those responsible accountable.