- Amasiri Crisis: Police, Army Debunk Custodial Death Allegation
- Warns Against ‘Unfounded’ Social Media Claims
- Says No Suspect Died in Custody
The Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, alongside the military, has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that an indigene of Amasiri died as a result of torture while in custody.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the claim, which trended on Facebook, alleged that the individual died either in police custody in Abakaliki or at a military cantonment in the state capital.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Six Final-Year Nursing Students Die in Kwara Auto Crash
- Sanwo-Olu Pledges to Position Lagos as Global Investment Hub
- File 2026 Tax Returns Now, LIRS Tells Lagos Residents
The allegation follows heightened tensions after four persons were killed last month in Okporojo village, a neighbouring community to Amasiri, amid a protracted boundary dispute between the two communities.
The Ebonyi State Government had blamed the killings on Amasiri residents and subsequently deployed a joint security task force to the area. Government offices were shut, schools closed, and a 20-hour curfew imposed as part of punitive measures.
The task force has since faced accusations of human rights violations, with the latest being the alleged torture-related death.
However, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Joshua Ukandu, firmly denied the claims.
“The Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, is aware of a trending publication on Facebook from a handle identified as ‘Amasiri LGA Forum’ alleging that ‘Amasiri has lost another soul, he died in police custody in Abakaliki, he was tortured to death.’
“The Command unequivocally rejects this allegation in its entirety. At no time did any individual die in police custody in the course of investigations relating to the Amasiri/Okporojo incident,” Ukandu said.
He maintained that peacekeeping operations in the affected communities were conducted professionally and in strict compliance with the law, including adherence to directives issued by the state government.
According to the police, suspects arrested in connection with the crisis were charged to court after preliminary investigations, in line with due process. Investigations remain ongoing, and any additional suspects identified will be arraigned accordingly.
Similarly, the Cantonment Commander of Nkwagu Military Barracks, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Chielo, dismissed the allegation that the individual died at the military facility.
Security agencies cautioned individuals and groups against spreading what they described as unfounded allegations and warned that those responsible for misinformation could face legal consequences.
FURTHER READING
- Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Export Waivers on Raw Shea Nuts
- Crush Criminal Elements, President Tinubu Directs New Acting IGP
- Police Must End Abuse of Power – New IGP Tunji Disu
Click here to watch video of the week
