Tension erupted in Enugu State on Thursday as hundreds of youths took to the streets to protest the alleged killing of popular socialite Izuchukwu Nnaji, popularly known as ‘Stone’, by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command’s Anti-Cult Tactical Squad.
Nnaji was reportedly arrested around 3 a.m. on Wednesday at The Bull Hotel in Enugu, where he had lodged after celebrating his birthday with friends the previous night.
His lifeless body was reportedly discovered at the morgue of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital, Parklane, on Thursday, sparking outrage among his family members, friends and supporters.
The protesters marched towards the Enugu State Government House, carrying placards and demanding justice. They called for the arrest of the officers allegedly involved and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The deceased’s elder brother, Ogochukwu Nnaji, alleged that police operatives took his brother away from the hotel without justification and that the family later discovered his body at the hospital morgue.
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He insisted that his brother was neither a cultist nor an armed robber and urged the authorities to ensure accountability.
The incident has revived concerns over alleged police misconduct in the state, coming about 18 months after the fatal shooting of popular Ogene musician Okezie Chikezie Mba, popularly known as ‘Igbo Jah’, by an operative attached to the same tactical squad in October 2024.
As of the time of filing this report, the Enugu State Police Command had yet to publicly respond to the latest allegations, as its spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, reportedly did not respond to calls and text messages seeking comments.
The protesters are demanding a transparent investigation and justice for the deceased.
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