Vigilante members detained by police in Abia for reportedly torturing one to death.

By Hannah Nathan, Warri

According to the Abia State Police Command, two men who were allegedly torturing a guy to death in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government area of the state—Onyebuchi Ukandu and Emmanuel Onyebuenyi—have been apprehended. They are members of the Mbutu/Umuojima Vigilante.

While parading the suspects on Friday, Maureen Chinaka, the public relations officer for the state police, disclosed this in a statement.

Alex Ukaegbu, the victim, was in charge of an Osisioma construction site. According to information obtained, the victim was chained by the accused and was held captive till they requested payment before releasing him.
According to the PRO’s statement, at approximately 10 a.m. on December 1, a complainant reported to Osisioma Division that on November 30 at approximately 9 a.m., he received phone notification that his elder brother, Alex Ukaegbu, who lives in the Tonimas area of Osisioma and is also in charge of a building site in the same area, was taken into custody by members of the Mbutu/Umuojima Vigilante Unit Osisioma on December 29 at approximately 5 p.m.

“The vigilante allegedly chained him in their office and were negotiating his release for the sum of N50,000. Unfortunately, Alex Ukaegbu died while in their custody.

“Following this report, police operatives were dispatched to the scene for investigations and the lifeless body of Alex Ukaegbu was deposited at Alanwemadu Mortuary Osisioma for preservation.

The vigilante commander, Ukandu Onyebuchi, and Emmanuel Onyebuenyi have been arrested and the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation,” the PPRO said.