Enugu youths march for justice over police killing of socialite ‘Stone’

Tension filled Enugu, the state capital, on Thursday as many young people protested the alleged killing of a popular socialite, Izuchukwu Nnaji, known as ‘Stone’. They claimed police from the Anti-Cult Tactical Squad killed him unlawfully.

Nnaji was said to have been arrested around 3am on Wednesday at The Bull Hotel in Enugu. He had just celebrated his birthday with friends the night before.

On Thursday, his lifeless body was found at the morgue of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane. This discovery set off anger among the youth, who took to the streets.

Protesters marched towards the Enugu State Government House, demanding justice. They carried placards with various messages, calling for the arrest of the police officers involved and a full investigation into Nnaji’s death.

Ogochukwu Nnaji, the deceased’s elder brother, spoke to reporters. He claimed his brother was arrested and killed without cause. He said, “My brother celebrated his birthday on Tuesday and thereafter lodged at The Bull Hotel.

“Police from the anti-cult squad invaded his hotel room around 3am on Wednesday and took him away. When we could not find him, we went to the hotel, where the management confirmed that police came in the night and took him away. We later traced his body to the ESUT Parklane Hospital morgue today (Thursday).

“My brother was extrajudicially killed. He was neither a cultist nor an armed robber; he was a well-known celebrity. We are demanding justice.”

This incident follows another tragic event. About 18 months ago, popular Ogene musician Okezie Chikezie Mba, known as ‘Igbo Jah’, was fatally shot by a member of the same tactical squad, causing public uproar.

In October 2024, Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph was accused of killing the musician. This incident also drew significant backlash from the public.

As of the time of this report, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Enugu State Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, did not answer phone calls or texts asking for comments on this latest incident.