The Imo State Police Command has rejected claims circulating on social media that operatives of its Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base) tortured a detained terror suspect, Magnus Ejiogu, to death.
The Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said in a statement on Sunday that the allegations were “false and malicious,” insisting that the suspect died of natural causes while awaiting arraignment.
Okoye said the late Ejiogu, 49, also known as Emu, hailed from Obudi Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area and was identified as a key financier and sponsor of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He was reportedly implicated in several violent attacks, including the 2022 killing of Eze Ignatius Asor, the traditional ruler of Abudi Agwa, and the attack on Agwa Police Station that left five officers, including a pregnant woman, dead.
According to the police statement, investigations into his case had been completed and prosecution approved, but court proceedings were delayed by the judiciary’s warning strike.
Okoye explained that Ejiogu became ill on 23 October while in detention.
“He was taken to the Police Clinic in Amakohia, Owerri, and later referred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri. Despite medical efforts, he was confirmed dead by a qualified doctor,” he said.
He added that the body had been placed in the hospital mortuary pending a full autopsy.
Dismissing reports of torture, Okoye said:
“At no point was the suspect subjected to maltreatment or denied access to his relatives or lawyer. All actions taken were in line with professional standards.”
He said Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, had ordered the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to carry out an independent investigation to establish the precise medical cause of death.
Okoye also condemned what he described as “sensational and unverified reports” aimed at eroding public trust in the police.
“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, professionalism, and accountability,” he said.
