Dare Babalola
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a 17-year-old apprentice found lifeless in Umuzocha, Awka South LGA.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Anambra State Police Command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident was reported on October 5, the same day it occurred.
Ikenga revealed that despite the family of the deceased, Chikamso Ejiofor, opting not to pursue the case, CP Orutugu has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of death.
The statement read in part, “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikoye Orutugu, has directed a continuous and discreet investigation to ascertain the true cause of death of a 17-year-old apprentice, who was reportedly found lifeless in a compound at Umuzocha, Awka.
“Preliminary information revealed that on October 5, 2025, at about 10.55 am, the Command received a report from a complainant that upon returning from a church vigil on the same day, she discovered the motionless body of an unidentified young man in her compound.
“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.
“Further investigation led to the identification of the deceased as Chikamso Ejiofor, aged 17 years, an apprentice. The parents of the deceased were subsequently traced and informed of the incident.
“Still, they voluntarily expressed their decision not to pursue the Case further, citing their awareness of the deceased’s alleged unruly behaviour.
“They have since sworn an affidavit and submitted a formal withdrawal letter to that effect.”
According to Ikenga, Orutugu, while acknowledging the family’s position, reiterated that the Command has a statutory responsibility to investigate all unnatural deaths to ensure that justice and transparency are served.
“He directed the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, to continue a thorough review of the incident to determine the actual cause of death,” the statement added.
