By John Alechenu

ABUJA — The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) has condemned the alleged conduct of officials of the Man O’ War Cadet Unit, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), following the death of a 100-level Cyber Security student, Cadet Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Director-General of CLTC, Rinsola Abiola, said the agency had begun an administrative investigation into the incident, which reportedly followed unauthorised disciplinary action over allegations of theft.

The centre described the incident as painful and regrettable, noting that it had sparked concern within the university community and beyond.

It extended condolences to the family of the deceased, his colleagues, and the management, staff and students of FUTO, while calling for calm and restraint.

“We are also aware of the distress and anger expressed by the student community at FUTO, and we understand the emotions that have driven those reactions. We call for calm and urge all parties to allow due process to run its full and unimpeded course,” the statement said.

CLTC, which supervises Man O’ War Nigeria formations in tertiary institutions under the National Union of Man O’ War Cadets in Higher Institutions (NUMOWCHIN), said the alleged actions fall outside its approved operational standards.

It stated that practices such as unauthorised drills, corporal punishment, torture and extrajudicial disciplinary actions are not part of the rules governing the organisation.

According to the agency, such conduct represents a violation of its code and values and will not be tolerated.

CLTC said it would cooperate with the Imo State Police Command, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and other relevant authorities during investigations.

It assured that no individual found culpable would be shielded from accountability, adding that reforms were underway to strengthen operational standards and prevent future occurrences.

“The tragic events at FUTO underscore the urgency of this reform process,” it said, adding that it remains committed to transparency and justice.

The agency also expressed solidarity with the FUTO community and pledged collaboration with stakeholders toward a fair resolution of the matter.