A tragic incident has thrown the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) into mourning after a 21-year-old undergraduate, Chinedu Christogonus, reportedly died following an alleged assault by fellow students over a theft accusation.
According to reports, the deceased, a 100-level Cyber Security student, was accused of stealing N13,500 before being subjected to a brutal beating that allegedly led to his death.
The shocking incident sparked outrage across the university community, with angry students reportedly staging protests and damaging property on campus as tensions escalated.
Confirming the development, the Imo State Police Command announced the arrest of three students in connection with the incident.
The suspects were identified as Chukwuemeka Benedict (21), Kelechi Ikenna (24), and Obioma Anastasia (21), all said to be 500-level students of the institution.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that Christogonus was allegedly restrained and severely assaulted after being accused of theft.
The victim reportedly sustained critical injuries during the attack and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, where doctors later confirmed him dead.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, ordered an immediate investigation and directed officers to swiftly apprehend those linked to the case.
Authorities disclosed that evidence connected to the incident has already been secured, while the body of the deceased has been deposited in a morgue pending autopsy.
The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more detailed investigation.
Police authorities assured the deceased’s family, students, and the public that everyone involved would be identified and investigated, stressing that nobody found culpable would escape justice.
The heartbreaking death has triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for accountability and an end to jungle justice and unlawful disciplinary practices within educational institutions.
As investigations continue, students and residents have been urged to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
