How suspected IPOB’s financier died in our custody – Police

The Imo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that operatives of its Anti-Kidnapping Unit, known as Tiger Base, tortured a  suspect, Magnus Ejiogu, to death.

In a statement issued in Owerri on Sunday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, described the claims as “false, unfounded, and deliberately aimed at maligning the image of the Nigeria Police Force.”

According to Okoye, the deceased, identified as 49-year-old Magnus Ejiogu, popularly known as Emu, hailed from Obudi Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area and was allegedly a key sponsor and financier of the  Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

He said the suspect had been linked to several deadly attacks, including the assassination of the traditional ruler of Abudi Agwa, Eze Ignatius Asor, in 2022, and the assault on the Agwa Police Station that same year, which claimed the lives of five officers, among them a pregnant policewoman.

“Investigation into Ejiogu’s case had been concluded, and the report was duly approved for prosecution on Monday, October 20, 2025. The command confirmed that his arraignment was delayed only because of the ongoing warning strike by members of the judiciary,” Okoye stated.

Detailing the events that led to Ejiogu’s death, the police spokesman said:“On 23rd October, 2025, while awaiting arraignment, the suspect suddenly took ill. He was immediately rushed to the Police Clinic, Amakohia, Owerri, before being referred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, for medical attention. In spite of the best efforts of the medical team, a qualified medical practitioner later confirmed the suspect dead. His body has been deposited in the hospital mortuary for a full autopsy to determine the definitive medical cause of his death.”

Okoye maintained that at no time was the suspect subjected to torture, denied access to his family, or mistreated during detention.

“All necessary actions taken during his custody were strictly consistent with professional policing ethics and due process,” he added.

For transparency, Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, had directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to determine the actual cause of death.

“The command strongly condemns sensational and unverified reports that seek to undermine public confidence in law enforcement. The command remains resolutely committed to justice, professionalism, and accountability in the discharge of its constitutional duties,” Okoye added.