By Prisca Nguzo
Imo State Police Command has debunked a media report linking operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, otherwise known as Tiger Base to the death of one alleged sponsor of the proscribed IPOB/ESN, Magnus Ejiogu.
The deceased according to the report was tortured to death by the Tiger Base operatives while in their custody for alleged sponsoring several violent attacks in the State, including the assassination of HRM Eze (Dr.) I.O. Asor, the former traditional ruler of Obudi Agwa Autonomous Community, in Ohaji/Egbema council area of the state.
The Command's spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye in a release availed to newsmen, weekend said, against what was reported, the deceased suspect had on 23rd October, 2025, while awaiting arraignment, suddenly took ill and "was immediately taken to the Police Clinic, Amakohia, Owerri, and later referred to the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri) for expert medical attention."
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According to Okoye, "despite efforts by the medical team, he was later confirmed dead by a qualified medical practitioner. His remains have been deposited in the hospital mortuary for autopsy to determine the medical cause of death."
He described the said media report as false, unfounded, and deliberately aimed at maligning the image of the Nigeria Police Force and discrediting ongoing efforts of the Command in combating terrorism and violent crimes across the State.
Okoye further urged the public to disregard the report, while condemning sensational and unverified reports that seek to misinform the public and undermine their confidence in law enforcement institutions.
The release partly reads, "The Imo State Police Command has noted with utmost concern a misleading and unverified publication by the Sahara Reporters alleging that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base), Owerri, tortured one Magnus Ejiogu to death.
"The Command categorically states that the publication is false, unfounded, and deliberately aimed at maligning the image of the Nigeria Police Force and discrediting ongoing efforts of the Command in combating terrorism and violent crimes across the State.
"The deceased, Magnus Ejiogu a.k.a. Emu, ‘m’, aged 49 years, of Obudi Agwa in Oguta LGA, was identified during investigation as a sponsor and financier of the proscribed IPOB/ESN, responsible for several terrorist attacks in the State, including the assassination of HRM Eze (Dr.) I.O. Asor, the former traditional ruler of Obudi Agwa Autonomous Community and the attack on Agwa Police Station, which led to the killing of five police officers, including a pregnant policewoman, both in 2022.
"Investigation into his case was concluded and the report duly approved for prosecution on Monday, 20th October, 2025. However, the arraignment was delayed owing to the warning strike by the Judiciary."
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"The Command maintains that at no point was the suspect subjected to torture, maltreatment, or denial of access to his family or legal representative. All actions taken were consistent with professional policing ethics and due process.
"In line with standard police procedure and transparency, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has directed the Homicide Section of the State CID to liaise with relevant medical authorities to establish the medical cause of death.
"The Imo State Police Command strongly condemns sensational and unverified reports that seek to misinform the public and undermine confidence in law enforcement institutions. The Command remains resolutely committed to justice, professionalism, and accountability in the discharge of its constitutional duties." It included.
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