Police admit operatives shot entertainer, give reason

The police in Enugu State have confirmed that operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit indeed shot a popular entertainer, Izuchukwu Nnaji, during an operation in the state.

The police spokesperson in the state, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that hundreds of angry youths, on Thursday, protested the killing of Mr Nnaji, popularly known as Stone, allegedly by the operatives.

This newspaper also reported that the late Nnaji was arrested at about 3 a.m. on Wednesday at The Bull Hotel in Enugu where he had lodged after celebrating his birthday with friends on Tuesday night.

But his body was later discovered at the morgue of the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, on Thursday, which prompted the youths to begin the protest.

The shooting of Nnaji

In the Friday statement, Mr Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, acknowledged that preliminary findings indicated that the operatives raided the Bull Hotel following a tip-off.

The spokesperson suggested that the operatives raided the hotel because a suspected notorious drug peddler and Vikings Confraternity member, Nworie Chidera Kelvin, otherwise known as “Akidi” lodged there with his associates.

He claimed that “Akidi” was linked to multiple cases involving unlawful firearm possession and cultism, including one in which he was charged in absentia.

“He (Akidi) 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 to 28.

“Quantities of dried weeds suspected to be ‘loud’ cannabis, a weighing scale suspected to be used for measuring illicit drugs, and ₦43,400 in various denominations were recovered,” he said.

Mr Ndukwe further claimed that, during the raid at the hotel, Mr Nnaji and another unnamed 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,” he narrated.

Investigation

The spokesperson, however, said the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, has ordered “a thorough investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Nnaji during the operation.

He said the commissioner has directed the assistant commissioner of police in charge of the State Intelligence Department to establish the facts of the incident and determine whether the operation and use of firearms complied with established operational standards and extant laws.

‘Remain calm’

Mr Ndukwe said the police commissioner has urged Mr Nnaji’s family and associates to “remain calm.”

The police chief, according to the statement, assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.

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He reiterated that professionalism, ethical conduct and strict adherence to operational standards, particularly those governing the use of firearms, must never be compromised in any police operation.

Not the first time

PREMIUM TIMES recalls that the latest incident occurred about 18 months after a police inspector killed a popular musician, Chikezie Mba, in Enugu State.

Mr Mba, popularly known as ‘Igbo Jah,’ was shot dead by the inspector at the Anti-Cult Unit of the Enugu State Police Command in October 2024.

The police authorities later identified the inspector as Joseph Ozonwanji, dismissed and arraigned him for killing the musician.