The Anambra State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the death of an 80-year-old man, Paul Onwualu, following a controversial police operation allegedly connected to a traditional stool dispute in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed on Tuesday that preliminary findings showed the officers linked to the incident had been identified but were not attached to the Anambra State Police Command.
According to Ikenga, the command had taken the matter seriously and assured residents that a thorough investigation was underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that it has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of the late Mr Paul Onwualu.”
Ikenga explained that available information indicated the officers allegedly involved in the arrest that preceded the deterioration of the deceased’s health had already been identified.
He, however, clarified that the operatives were not personnel of the Anambra State Police Command.
“The command assures Ndi Anambra and members of the public that the matter is being handled with the seriousness it deserves to ascertain the facts surrounding the unfortunate incident,” he added.
The police spokesperson further stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had directed that the investigation be conducted professionally, promising that the outcome would be made public.
Meanwhile, family members and eyewitnesses alleged that Onwualu, an aspirant to the community’s Igweship stool, died after he was allegedly assaulted during an attempted arrest at his residence last Thursday.
The dispute over the traditional stool is reportedly the subject of an ongoing legal battle before the High Court in Ogidi in Suit No. HID/72/2026.
Sources in the community claimed that the officers, accompanied by persons opposed to Onwualu’s ambition, stormed his residence to effect his arrest when the incident occurred.
An eyewitness alleged that the elderly man was beaten during the operation and later collapsed while being transported to the police station.
He was reportedly rushed to Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital, Ogidi, where doctors confirmed him dead.
The deceased’s wife, Anthonia Onwualu, also accused the attackers of arriving with rivals involved in the succession tussle.
She said, “On Thursday, the police, in company with some people who opposed my husband’s Igweship aspiration, stormed our Umusiome residence, beating my husband before whisking him away to an unknown destination.
“I later learnt that the policemen were taking him to Ogidi Police Station to detain him, but he died on the way and was rushed to Iyi-Enu hospital in Ogidi.”