Enugu socialite killed during police raid of birthday party

A birthday celebration organised by a famous Enugu socialite, Nnaji Izuchukwu, popularly known as Stone, at a hotel in the Asata area of Enugu turned fatal, leading to his death.

Reports said the celebration turned chaotic after a misunderstanding among attendees, which allegedly led the hotel management to invite the police from the Anti-Cultism Section.

The celebrant, Izuchukwu Nnaji, allegedly died from gunshot injuries he sustained during the ensuing police operation.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remained unclear. Still, it was said that in the ensuing confusion following the police raid, he allegedly attempted to escape through a window with another person before he sustained gunshot injuries.

The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death and ordered an investigation into the incident.

Enugu police orders thorough investigation into the death

A statement by the command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said: “The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nnaji Izuchukwu (male) during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

“He has directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to establish the facts of the incident and determine whether the operation and use of firearms complied with established operational standards and extant laws.

“Preliminary findings 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. Akidi is allegedly 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 ₦43,400 in various denominations were recovered.

“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.

“CP Giwa 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.

“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.”