The Imo State Police Command has detained three students from the Federal University of Technology in Owerri, Imo State, in connection with the suspected murder of 21-year-old undergraduate Chinedu Christogonus.
The deceased, a 100-level cybersecurity student, was reportedly battered to death on Saturday by university Man O’ War members for allegedly taking N13,500.
The act sparked unrest at the institution, with students burning buildings and trashing other property on campus.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Henry Okoye, said preliminary investigations revealed that Christogonus was allegedly assaulted by some Man O’ War members after he was accused of stealing N13,500.
Okoye described the suspects arrested in connection with the incident as Chukwuemeka Benedict (21), Kelechi Ikenna (24), and Obioma Anastasia (21), all 500-level FUTO students.
According to the police, initial investigations revealed that the deceased was allegedly confined and subjected to severe violence, resulting in catastrophic injuries.
“Initial findings indicate that the deceased was allegedly restrained and assaulted, resulting in critical injuries.
“He was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Center, Owerri, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
“Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Audu Bosso, immediately directed operatives to take swift action, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspects.
“Relevant evidence has been secured, while the corpse has been deposited in the morgue for preservation and autopsy.
“To ensure a thorough, professional, and discreet investigation, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Owerri, for comprehensive investigation.
“He further directed that all persons connected to the incident be identified and investigated, with a view to ensuring that justice is served.
“The Commissioner of Police assures the family of the deceased, the university community, and members of the public that the command is fully on top of the situation and remains committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the death.
“He emphasizes that no individual, regardless of status, will be shielded from the law if found culpable,” the statement read.
The police advised the public to remain calm and let the investigation proceed, emphasizing the command’s commitment to respecting the rule of law and bringing all those involved to justice.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
