Anambra police begin probe after teenager’s death in detention

The Anambra State Police Command said it had commenced an investigation after a teenage boy identified as Uchenna Okafor, who was arrested for fighting in Awka, reportedly died in police detention in Akwuzu Police Division in the state.

The PUNCH reported that according to a Social Justice Campaigner and Gender Rights activist, A_mummyya, who disclosed information about Uchenna’s death on Twitter, the deceased was arrested alongside two others for fighting and were taken to Awkuzu Police Division.

The parents were asked to pay the sum of N50,000 each for their bail but when the parents went to the police station last Tuesday, they were reportedly asked to return on Thursday as the Investigating Police Officer in charge of the case was not around.

But upon their return on Thursday, they were told the young boy died Wednesday night.

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She said, “Three boys were arrested by PoliceNG for fighting in Awka, then transferred to Awkuzu SARS. Their parents were made aware and they went to see them last week, they were told they had to pay for damages amounting to N150,000.

“The parents are still running around for the money. One of them, Uchenna Okafor, his parents saw him on Tuesday, January 3, and tried to pay their N50,000 share and bail him but was asked to return on Thursday as the IPO doesn’t work on Wednesday and wasn’t available.”

When contacted, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, told SaharaReporters that the case was under investigation.

“The case is under investigation, the IPO handling the case has been summoned and the command has equally invited the family of the victim.

“I am on the matter, and will brief you on the development, please.”