Enugu State police command has reacted to the death of one Smith Odinaka on Sunday, October 13, 2024, around 1 a.m. near the Mercedes-Benz Company along the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu.
In a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe; “Preliminary findings indicate that the victim was driving a Mercedes-Benz car in the company of two of his male friends when a gunshot, allegedly fired by individuals suspected to be security agents, struck the vehicle.
“Smith Odinaka sustained a gunshot wound to his left hip. He was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead by the attending doctor, and his body deposited in the mortuary, pending an autopsy.”
Ndukwe dismissed report linking the incident to police officers, adding that “ongoing investigation has not yet linked the crime to any police officer or police team.
“Nonetheless, intensive investigative efforts are underway to uncover the truth, and the findings will be made public once available.”
He further stated that the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State CID, to launch a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“CP Uzuegbu has assured the public that all necessary efforts will be made to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and to ensure that justice is served,” the statement added.
Preliminary findings indicate that the victim was driving a Mercedes-Benz car in the company of two of his male friends when a gunshot, allegedly fired by individuals suspected to be security agents, struck the vehicle. Smith Odinaka sustained a gunshot wound to his left hip. He was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead by the attending doctor, and his body deposited in the mortuary, pending an autopsy.
However, contrary to circulating reports, the ongoing investigation has not yet linked the crime to any police officer or police team. Nonetheless, intensive investigative efforts are underway to uncover the truth, and the findings will be made public once available.
*DSP DANIEL NDUKWE, anipr, mnisma*
Police Public Relations Officer,
Enugu State Command,
State Headquarters,
GRA, Enugu.
October 16, 2024.
