A man from Delta State, Okediachi Emeka, has reportedly died after being assaulted by Nigerian police officers in Asaba. According to his family, Emeka was beaten with a gun, leading to severe injuries that caused his death days later.
The incident occurred on November 14, 2024, near Ogbe-Osowe quarters. Emeka’s brother, Desmond, shared that Emeka, his friend, and his girlfriend were driving from a hotel when they encountered men who were not in uniform. Believing they were kidnappers, the group drove away. However, they were chased and cornered by police officers, who allegedly shot sporadically and beat them.
Desmond explained that the police hit Emeka on the head with a gun, leading to a severe injury. Despite his condition, the officers forced Emeka to record a video claiming he hit his head on a wall while running. They also extorted ₦150,000 from him before taking him to the hospital.
Although Emeka initially received treatment, his condition worsened over the next few days. He complained of severe back pain and had difficulty speaking. Eventually, he was rushed to another hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Delta State Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, denied the allegations, stating that Emeka injured himself while trying to escape. However, the Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, promising justice if the officers are found guilty.
This tragic event has reignited public concerns about police brutality and extra-judicial actions in Nigeria. Many are calling for stronger measures to hold law enforcement accountable for misconduct.