The ongoing protest against police brutality in Obollo Afor, Enugu State, has gained further momentum following heartbreaking testimonies from the wife of the late Mr. Nnaemeka Ugwu and other victims who have endured police violence at the hands of law enforcement officers, including ASP Dumiri.
In a recent video shared by local activists, Mrs. Ngozi Nnaemeka Ugwu recounted the horrifying ordeal that her late husband, Nnaemeka Ugwu, suffered while in police custody. She described how her husband, who was arrested by officers from the Nsukka Area Command, was subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment, ultimately leading to his untimely death.
Mrs. Ugwu’s testimony highlighted the illegal and brutal tactics employed by ASP Dumiri, along with other officers, including Monday and Emmanuel, from the same police team. She claimed that her husband was not only physically assaulted but that his personal belongings, including his phone number and ATM card, were taken by the officers before his death. The police have yet to provide any explanation for his death, leaving the family and the community in the dark about the cause of his demise.
“We were not told why he was arrested, and we are still waiting for the police to explain what led to his death. No one has said anything about how they collected his phone number or his ATM card before he died. The whole situation is unclear, and I am devastated by the injustice done to my husband,” Mrs. Ugwu tearfully said in the video.
The video interview was conducted during the visit of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) to the victims in Obollo Afor. The NYCN delegation, which has been at the forefront of supporting the victims of police brutality, took the opportunity to meet with the Ugwu family and others who have suffered similar abuses. During the visit, Miss Joy Eze, another victim of police brutality, also shared her painful experience of being subjected to excessive force by the same group of officers involved in Ugwu’s arrest. Miss Eze, who was also in police custody during the same period, recalled the terrifying moments when she and others were brutally assaulted by the officers. She called for justice for all those who have been victims of such brutal acts by the police, demanding that the officers responsible for these atrocities be held accountable.
While the youth constituency continues to demand justice for Nnaemeka Ugwu, the call for an independent investigation into his death grows louder. Local activists and residents of Obollo Afor, where the incident took place, are standing in solidarity with the Ugwu family, with many vowing to continue their protest until justice is served.
The protesters are calling for not only the immediate removal of ASP Dumiri but also a full investigation into the actions of all officers involved. They are seeking answers as to how such a tragic death could occur under police custody and why the officers involved have yet to be held accountable.
This testimony from Mrs. Ugwu and Miss Eze has further galvanized the protests in Enugu, as more victims of police brutality come forward to share their stories. The protestors are resolute in their demand for justice, systemic police reform, and an end to the culture of abuse and impunity that has plagued the police force in the region.
""NYCN Enugu North Condemns in Totality Police Team led by Asp Uwah Dumbiri ( Dumiri) Illegal Arrest and Harassment Against Patent Medical Store Owners at Obollo Afor that led to the Death of Mr Nnaemeka Ugwuona.
National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the Mother youth organization in Enugu State and Apex Youth organization in Enugu North (Nsukka), condemns the illegal cum harassment activities of police Operatives from Area Command Nsukka led by Uwah Dumbiri known as Dumiri that led to the death of Mr Nnaemeka ugwuona from umuezejor Obollo Afor, in Udenu Local government, Enugu State.
On 6th February, 2025, Asp Uwah Dumbiri known as Dumiri led a police team from Nsukka area command to Obollo Afor which is outside their Jurisdiction, but Under Udenu area command to harass and arrest innocent patent Medical store owners of selling illicit drugs, which after there thorough searching they got nothing but still insist on detaining them to extort money from them under Nsukka area command.
Dumiri led team came with a masked person that was pointing out Chemist Shops at Obollo Afor, Makurdi road. the police Operatives were arresting them without having evidence of selling any illicit drugs.
Late Mr Nnaemeka Ugwuona collapse and died while watching the police Operatives beating his wive to accept that she is selling illicit drugs and to sign written statements by the police Operatives with his name.
It is Condemnable, unacceptable, and must never be condoned. We call on the Inspector General of police and Commissioner of Police to urgently intervene and control the situation" now.
Signed
EZE Kenneth Nnamdi
_Enugu State Vice Chairman North,
National Youth Council of Nigeria_ .
The people of Obollo Afor and surrounding communities are sending a clear message that they will not stop fighting until the truth about Nnaemeka Ugwu’s death is revealed, and those responsible for the brutality are brought to justice.