Suspect dies while attempting to resist police officer during arrest in Enugu

The Enugu state Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a male suspect identified as Nnaji Izuchukwu during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU). 

Preliminary findings by the police indicate that operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided Bull Hotel, Asata, Enugu, where Nworie Chidera Kelvin, a.k.a. “Akidi,” an alleged notorious drug peddler and Vikings Confraternity member, was lodged with associates. 

According to the command's spokesperson, DP Daniel Ndukwe, Akidi is reportedly linked to multiple cases involving unlawful firearm possession and cultism, including one in which he was charged in absentia. He was also suspected of keeping the gang’s firearms and other criminal tools. The operation led to the arrest of Akidi and nine other suspects, comprising males and females aged 17–28. Quantities of dried weeds suspected to be "loud" cannabis, a weighing scale suspected to be used for measuring illicit drugs, and N43,400 in various denominations were recovered.

Ndukwe said during the operation, Nnaji and another suspect jumped through a window in an attempt to escape. 

‘’While pursuing them, an operative was confronted by both suspects, who allegedly attempted to disarm him. In the ensuing struggle, the firearm discharged, leaving Nnaji with gunshot injuries, while the other suspect escaped. Nnaji was rushed to hospital, where he was later confirmed dead. His remains have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy''

The Commissioner of Police has urged the deceased’s family, associates and other concerned persons to remain calm, assuring them that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and that any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary action.