Crime

Hotel owner and military personnel ‘Torture staff to death’ over phone theft in Imo

Published

9 months ago

April 8, 2024

A man identified as Ebuka Nwaneri, has allegedly been beaten to death by a hotel owner and military personnel in Imo State, according to a report by TheCable.

The man was reportedly beaten to death over a missing phone in the Umulogho community of Obowo LGA, Imo..

Sources said Nwaneri, a staff of the hotel, was accused of stealing the phone belonging to the military personnel who was a guest at the facility.

Nwaneri was reportedly tortured and locked up in the hotel’s powerhouse where he died.

The incident has led to a protest in the community as youths demanded justice for the late Nwaneri.

The angry youths have threatened to bring the hotel down if those responsible for the deceased’s death were not apprehended.

Meanwhile, Henry Okoye, police spokesperson in Imo, said the matter is being investigated.

“Aboki Danjuma, commissioner of police has directed the command’s complaint response unit (CRU) domicile under the office of the PPRO to carry out a comprehensive investigation into this allegation and ensure that justice is served,” Okoye said in a statement.

“Consequently, the victim is encouraged to contact the office of the command’s public relations department via 08148024755 and assist in identifying the alleged officers.

“The Command under the leadership of CP Aboki Danjuma is highly committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability while discharging its lawful duties and will not condone any form of extortion or unprofessionalism by any of its personnel.”

The police have also arrested some youths as a result of the protest.

In a statement, Chinagorom Cyriacus, president of the Umulogho Youth Assembly, called for peace while assuring that those arrested would be released.

“The leadership of Umulogho Youth Assembly has condemned in totality whatever led to the murder of Nwanneri Ebuka, an indigene of Umulogho who works at the hotel,” the statement reads.

“We also want to assure the good people of Umulogho that the perpetrators of this inhuman act must be brought to book at all means.

“We want to urge all the youths to stay calm and not take laws into their hands. The leadership of the Umulogho autonomous community at all levels are working so hard to arrest the situation especially the ongoing massive arrest by the military.

“We finally urge the Nwaneri family especially Mr Udomba family to take heart while looking forward to securing justice for our late brother.”