Imo police arrest FUTO students following the alleged assault and death of a 21-year-old undergraduate at the university

Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, May 30, 2026. The Imo State Police Command has arrested three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) in connection with the alleged murder of a 21-year-old undergraduate, Chinedu Christogonus, following an incident that sparked unrest across the university campus.

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Chinedu Christogonus, a 100-level Cyber Security student, was reportedly beaten to death on Saturday by members of the institution’s Man O’ War organisation after being accused of stealing N13,500.

The incident triggered widespread outrage among students, leading to violent protests in which buildings were set ablaze and other property damaged within the university premises.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command, Henry Okoye, said preliminary investigations revealed that Christogonus was allegedly assaulted by some Man O’ War members after the accusation of theft was made against him.

Henry Okoye identified the suspects as Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21, Kelechi Ikenna, 24, and Obioma Anastasia, 21. The trio are all 500-level students of FUTO and were arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.

According to the police, initial findings indicated that the deceased was restrained and subjected to a severe assault that left him critically injured.

The student was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where medical personnel confirmed his death.

The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, ordered immediate action upon receiving the report, leading to the swift arrest of the suspects and the recovery of relevant evidence.

The body of the deceased has been deposited in a morgue for preservation and autopsy as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a decisive move aimed at ensuring transparency, Audu Bosso directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri for a comprehensive investigation.

The commissioner also ordered that all persons connected to the incident be identified and investigated to ensure justice is served.

Henry Okoye said the police command remained fully committed to uncovering the facts behind the death and assured the family of the deceased, the university community and the public that no individual would be shielded from prosecution if found culpable.

The command appealed for calm and urged members of the public to allow investigators to carry out their duties without interference.

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The Imo Police Arrest FUTO Students case has intensified concerns about campus security and the handling of disciplinary matters within tertiary institutions, with many awaiting the outcome of the police investigation into the tragic death.