Akobundu Okorie Wisdom, originally from Ozietem, collapsed and died during interrogation by police officers at Bende Police Division, Abia State.
Police reportedly invited the late Wisdom, who resided in Bende town, for questioning over an alleged crime, but he reportedly collapsed during questioning.
While a police source claimed that the young man collapsed and died while being rushed to a hospital in Umuahia for treatment, members of the Bende community, particularly those who knew him, insisted that he was beaten to death during interrogation in the police cell.
As news of the young man’s death spread through the community, a large crowd of angry residents stormed the Bende Police Division, crying and threatening to avenge his death.
However, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, arrived at the scene with some senior officers and addressed the angry crowd.
“I want to assure you that justice will be done. As I speak to you, all the police officers involved in the interrogation have been placed in the CID,” the police commissioner said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of Bende Local Government Area, Uwabunkonye Bassey, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the death of Mr. Akobundu Okorie Wisdom.
“According to preliminary reports, the late Mr Wisdom was said to have been charged and subsequently invited to Bende Police Station for questioning.
“Unfortunately, according to the officers present, during interrogation he collapsed and despite being rushed to a hospital in Umuahia, medical staff confirmed his death,” Uwabunkonye Bassey said.