November 2, 2025
The Imo State Police Command has refuted reports circulating on social media alleging that operatives of its Anti-Kidnapping Unit, known as Tiger Base, tortured a terror suspect, Magnus Ejiogu, to death.
In a statement issued in Owerri and made available to journalists on Sunday, the command’s spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, described the allegations as false, unfounded, and deliberately aimed at tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
Okoye explained that the deceased, popularly known as Emu, aged 49, from Obudi Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area, was identified as a major sponsor and financier of the proscribed IPOB/ESN. The IPOB suspect was said to have been responsible for several deadly attacks, including the assassination of the traditional ruler of Abudi Agwa, Eze Ignatius Asor, in 2022.
He was also linked to the attack on Agwa Police Station in 2022, which led to the killing of five police officers, including a pregnant policewoman.
According to Okoye, investigations into the case of the IPOB suspect had been concluded, and the report was approved for prosecution on Monday, October 20, 2025. However, the arraignment was delayed due to the ongoing warning strike by members of the judiciary.
Okoye narrated that on October 23, 2025, while awaiting arraignment, the IPOB suspect suddenly fell ill and was rushed to the Police Clinic, Amakohia, Owerri. He was later referred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, where he received medical attention but was confirmed dead by a qualified medical practitioner.
He stated that the suspect’s remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for a full autopsy to determine the exact medical cause of death.
Okoye stressed that at no point was the IPOB suspect tortured, maltreated, or denied access to his family or legal representatives. All procedures during his detention, he said, were in line with professional policing standards and due process.
For transparency, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, has directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to establish the definitive medical cause of death.
The police spokesman also condemned what he called sensational and unverified reports aimed at eroding public trust in law enforcement. He reaffirmed that the Imo Police Command remains committed to justice, professionalism, and accountability in carrying out its constitutional duties. Visit GMTNewsng for more news.
