The Imo State Police Command has denied claims that its operatives tortured a suspected financier of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Magnus Ejiogu, to death while in custody.
In a statement released on Sunday in Owerri, the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, described the viral reports as false and aimed at tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
Okoye said Ejiogu, popularly known as Emu, aged 49, from Obudi Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area, was a major sponsor of the proscribed IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He explained that the suspect had been linked to several violent attacks, including the 2022 assassination of the traditional ruler of Abudi Agwa, Eze Ignatius Asor, and the attack on Agwa Police Station the same year, which left five police officers dead, including a pregnant woman.
Okoye stated that investigation into Ejiogu’s case had been completed and approved for prosecution on October 20, 2025, but his arraignment was delayed due to the ongoing warning strike by members of the judiciary.
“On October 23, 2025, while awaiting arraignment, the suspect suddenly took ill. He was immediately rushed to the Police Clinic in Amakohia, Owerri, before being referred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, for medical attention,” Okoye said.
He added that despite the medical team’s efforts, Ejiogu was later confirmed dead by a qualified doctor. His body has since been deposited in the hospital morgue for a full autopsy.
According to the police spokesperson, at no time was the suspect subjected to torture, maltreatment, or denied access to his family or legal representative.
“All actions taken during his custody were consistent with professional policing ethics and due process,” he said.
Okoye further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has ordered the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
He urged the public to disregard unverified social media reports that could undermine confidence in the police, adding that the command remains committed to justice, professionalism, and accountability.
