By Emmanuel Iheaka

OWERRI — A 100-level student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus, has died after allegedly being assaulted while in the custody of members of the Man O’ War organisation in the institution.

Sources within the university alleged that the student, who was studying Cyber Security, was arrested over an accusation of stealing N13,500 and was subsequently tortured.

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the student died on Saturday following the alleged assault.

“They said he stole N13,500, arrested him and started torturing him until he died on Saturday,” the source alleged.

“The Man O’ War people are fond of harassing and maltreating students without justification,” the source added.

Another source, however, claimed that the student’s arrest stemmed from an allegation that he was caught cooking inside his hostel room.

The incident sparked protests by students, who reportedly destroyed some property within the university premises.

It was gathered that the protesting students also set ablaze the office of the Man O’ War organisation in the institution.

Confirming the incident, the Imo State Police Command said three suspects have been arrested in connection with the student’s death.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said preliminary investigations indicated that the deceased was subjected to assault by members of the organisation following an allegation of theft.

According to the police spokesman, the deceased, a member of the Man O’ War organisation, sustained critical injuries during the assault and was later confirmed dead at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri.

“Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged murder of a 21-year-old student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus, whose death occurred under suspicious circumstances on May 30, 2026,” Okoye said.

He identified the suspects as Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21; Kelechi Gospel Ikenna, 24; and Obioma Anastasia, 21, all 500-level students of FUTO.

“Initial findings indicate that the deceased was allegedly restrained and assaulted, resulting in critical injuries. He was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel,” the statement added.

Okoye disclosed that upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Audu Garba Bosso, directed operatives to take immediate action, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

He said relevant evidence had been secured, while the corpse had been deposited in a morgue for preservation and autopsy.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for a comprehensive investigation.

“The Commissioner further directed that all persons connected to the incident be identified and investigated, with a view to ensuring that justice is served,” Okoye stated.

He assured the deceased’s family, the university community and the public that the command remained committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the death and ensuring that anyone found culpable faces the law.