Police confirm entertainer was shot, explain why

The police in Enugu State have admitted that their Anti-Cultism operatives shot a well-known entertainer, Izuchukwu Nnaji, during an operation in the area.

The police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, shared this information in a statement on Friday.

Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported that hundreds of angry youths protested on Thursday over the death of Mr Nnaji, known as Stone, who was allegedly shot by the police.

Reports say Nnaji was arrested around 3 a.m. on Wednesday at The Bull Hotel in Enugu, where he was staying after celebrating his birthday with friends on Tuesday night. His body was later found at the morgue of the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, on Thursday, which triggered the protests.

In the Friday statement, Superintendent Ndukwe said preliminary findings showed that the operatives raided The Bull Hotel after receiving a tip-off.

He mentioned that the raid was aimed at capturing a suspected drug dealer and member of the Vikings Confraternity, Nworie Chidera Kelvin, known as “Akidi,” who was staying there with his associates.

Ndukwe claimed that “Akidi” was involved in several cases related to illegal firearms and cult activities, including one case for which he was charged while absent.

He added, “He (Akidi) was also suspected of keeping the gang’s firearms and other criminal tools.

“The operation led to the arrest of Akidi and nine others, both males and females, aged 17 to 28.

“Items seized included dried weeds believed to be ‘loud’ cannabis, a weighing scale thought to be used for illegal drugs, and ₦43,400 in different denominations,” he said.

Ndukwe also stated that during the hotel raid, Mr Nnaji and another suspect attempted to escape by jumping through a window.

“While chasing them, an operative was confronted by both suspects, who allegedly tried to take his firearm.

“In the struggle that followed, the firearm went off, hitting Nnaji, while the other suspect managed to escape.

“Nnaji was quickly taken to the hospital but was later pronounced dead. His body is now in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” he explained.

The spokesperson mentioned that the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, has called for a thorough investigation into how Mr Nnaji died during the operation.

He said the commissioner has ordered the assistant commissioner of police in charge of the State Intelligence Department to find out what happened and check if the operation and use of firearms followed the rules and laws.

Ndukwe urged Mr Nnaji’s family and friends to “stay calm.”

The police chief assured them that the case will be fully investigated and any officer found responsible will face the right disciplinary action.

He emphasized that professionalism, ethical behavior, and strict adherence to the rules, especially regarding firearm use, should always be upheld in police operations.