ENUGU POLICE PROBE SUSPECT’S DEATH DURING ANTI-CULTISM OPERATION, CP ORDERS THOROUGH INVESTIGATION

The Enugu State Police Command has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nnaji Izuchukwu, who sustained gunshot injuries during an intelligence-led police operation in the state.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department to establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine whether the operation, particularly the discharge of a firearm, complied with established operational standards and applicable laws.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the command said the incident occurred during an operation conducted by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit at Bull Hotel, Asata, Enugu.

According to the police, the operation was launched on the strength of intelligence concerning Nworie Chidera Kelvin, popularly known as Akidi, who was described by the command as an alleged drug dealer and member of the Vikings Confraternity.

The police further alleged that Kelvin had links to multiple cases involving unlawful possession of firearms and cultism and was suspected of keeping firearms and other criminal tools for his group.

The operation reportedly resulted in the arrest of Kelvin and nine other suspects, comprising males and females aged between 17 and 28.

Items recovered included quantities of dried plant material suspected to be cannabis, popularly known as loud, a weighing scale suspected to have been used in measuring illicit drugs, and ₦43,400 in various denominations.

The circumstances surrounding Izuchukwu’s death, however, have become the subject of an investigation ordered by the police leadership.

According to the preliminary account provided by the command, Izuchukwu and another suspect allegedly attempted to escape through a window during the operation. The police said an operative pursuing them was subsequently confronted by the two men, who allegedly attempted to disarm him.

The firearm reportedly discharged during the ensuing struggle, leaving Izuchukwu with gunshot injuries. While the injured suspect was taken to a hospital, where he was later confirmed dead, the other individual reportedly escaped.

His remains have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Against the backdrop of the incident, CP Giwa appealed to the deceased’s family, associates and other concerned persons to remain calm, assuring them that the investigation would establish the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.

He also warned that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action, stressing that professionalism, ethical conduct and strict compliance with established rules governing the use of firearms must remain fundamental to police operations.

The investigation is expected to clarify the sequence of events leading to the shooting and determine whether the actions of the officers involved were consistent with the law and prescribed operational procedures.

For the Enugu State Police Command, the task is twofold: to pursue its mandate of combating violent crime and cult-related activities while ensuring that the conduct of its personnel remains subject to accountability and the rule of law.

The outcome of the investigation will therefore be significant in establishing the facts surrounding Izuchukwu’s death and determining whether any breach of operational standards occurred.

The police statement was signed by SP Daniel Ndukwe, mnipr, mnisma, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, on October 23, 2026.