The Imo State Police Command has taken three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, into custody over the death of a fellow undergraduate who was allegedly beaten after being accused of stealing N13,500.
The victim, identified as Chinedu Christogonus, a 100-level Cyber Security student, reportedly died after suffering injuries during an assault allegedly carried out by members of the institution's Man O' War group.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, triggered tension across the campus, with aggrieved students reportedly protesting and damaging university property.
In a statement issued by the command's Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, the police said preliminary investigations suggested that Christogonus was attacked following allegations that he stole the sum of N13,500.
Those arrested in connection with the incident were identified as Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21, Kelechi Ikenna, 24, and Obioma Anastasia, 21, all students of the university.
According to the police, the victim was allegedly held against his will and subjected to severe physical punishment, leaving him critically injured.
He was later rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Okoye stated that upon receiving information about the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Bosso, ordered an immediate operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.
He added that investigators had secured relevant exhibits while the deceased's body had been deposited in a morgue for preservation and further examination.
The police spokesman said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for an exhaustive investigation.
He noted that the commissioner had directed detectives to identify and interrogate every person linked to the incident, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
"The Command remains committed to establishing the circumstances surrounding the death and ensuring justice is served. No individual involved in the matter will be protected if found responsible," the statement added.
The police also appealed for calm among members of the university community and the public, assuring that a thorough investigation was underway and that those responsible would be prosecuted.
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