The Anambra State Police Command has commenced an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the mysterious death of Chikamso Ejiofor, a 17-year-old apprentice in Umuzocha, Awka, the Anambra State capital.
Ejiofor was found lifeless by a woman in her compound after she returned from a church vigil, who, unaware of what had led to his sudden death, immediately raised the alarm and reported the incident to the Central Police Station in Awka for proper investigation.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the development in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday.
“Following the report, police operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka, promptly visited the scene, took photographs, and conveyed the victim to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor,” the statement read.
According to the spokesperson, the command, after conducting inquiries, traced and notified the deceased’s parents, who voluntarily expressed their decision not to pursue the case further, citing their awareness of the deceased’s alleged unruly behavior.
It was also disclosed that the 17-year-old boy’s parents swore an affidavit and submitted a formal letter of withdrawal to that effect.
However, the Commissioner of Police, Ikoye Orutugu, has directed that a continuous and discreet investigation be carried out to determine the actual cause of death.
Orutugu emphasized that the police have a statutory duty to investigate all unnatural deaths, regardless of family decisions, to ensure justice and transparency.
While commiserating with the family of the deceased, the commissioner reassured residents of Anambra State of the Command’s commitment to upholding professionalism, due process, and accountability in all investigative matters.
The command has urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, noting that the outcome of the investigation will be made public upon completion.
