The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of Nnaji Izuchukwu, who sustained gunshot injuries during a police operation at Bull Hotel, Asata, Enugu.
The directive was disclosed in a press release dated Friday, October 23, 2026, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether the operation complied with established standards.
According to the statement, CP Giwa directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to investigate the incident, particularly the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm and compliance with extant laws governing the use of firearms.
The command said preliminary findings indicated that operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, raided Bull Hotel, where Nworie Chidera Kelvin, also known as “Akidi,” was reportedly staying with associates.
Akidi was described by the police as an alleged notorious drug peddler and member of the Vikings Confraternity, reportedly linked to multiple cases involving unlawful possession of firearms and cultism, including a case in which he was charged in absentia. He was also suspected of keeping firearms and other criminal tools for the gang.
The operation reportedly led to the arrest of Akidi and nine other suspects, comprising males and females aged between 17 and 28. Police said quantities of dried weeds suspected to be “loud” cannabis, a weighing scale suspected to be used for measuring illicit drugs, and ₦43,400 in various denominations were recovered.
The statement further explained that Izuchukwu and another suspect allegedly jumped through a window while attempting to escape. During the ensuing pursuit, the two suspects allegedly confronted an operative and attempted to disarm him.
“In the ensuing struggle, the firearm discharged, leaving Nnaji with gunshot injuries, while the other suspect escaped,” the statement said.
It added that Izuchukwu was rushed to a hospital, where he was later confirmed dead, while his remains had been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
CP Giwa appealed to the deceased’s family, associates and other concerned persons to remain calm while the investigation continues, assuring them that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.
The police commissioner also reiterated that professionalism, ethical conduct and strict compliance with operational standards, particularly those governing the use of firearms, must not be compromised during police operations.
