The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered an investigation into the alleged killing of a young man, Emeka Okediachi, reportedly at the hands of some police officers.
The incident gained public attention when a user on X (formerly Twitter) called out the police on 28 November, alleging that Emeka was killed after refusing to follow officers to an unknown destination.
Reacting to the allegations, the command, through its spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, released a statement on 29 November addressing the circulating reports. Edafe confirmed that the command is aware of the accusations against its operatives and provided preliminary findings while assuring the public that further investigations are underway.
According to the statement: “The Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda on behalf of the command condoles with the family of the deceased. For the avoidance of doubt and for members of the public not to be misled especially via social media which has been known to be an easy way to spread falsehood, the command wishes to state thus;
“On the 14th of November 2024 at about 0100 hours, the command received a distress call from a concerned citizen that there were some suspicious-looking persons around DBS road. Operatives of the command were detailed to move to the scene, and the operatives who were at that time along Nnebisi Road proceeded to the scene.
On their way, they sighted a Venza SUV with reg. No GWK-646-FF but the occupants of the vehicle on noticing there were Policemen zoomed off. The operatives who were already acting on a distress call suspected the Venza Vehicle hence they went after them. They chased them to a compound along Nnebisi axis. The passengers alighted and were running in a bid to escape from the Police. The driver was arrested immediately while the deceased initially escaped.
“A few minutes later right there at the scene, the suspect came out with blood on his head and stated that he hit his head on a wall. The Police swiftly took him to the hospital and paid for his medical bill. At about 0500 hours of the same date, the deceased was brought to the Police headquarters where statements were recorded and the deceased stated in his statement that he hit his head on a wall fence while running away from the Police.”
Despite the police’s explanation, the Commissioner of Police has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to take over the case and ensure a thorough investigation.
While extending his condolences to Emeka’s family, CP Abaniwonda assured the public that no stone would be left unturned and that any officers found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
