ENUGU SOCIALITE KILLED DURING POLICE RAID OF BIRTHDAY PARTY

The death of Enugu socialite and entertainer Izuchukwu Nnaji, popularly known as “Stone,” following a police raid has sparked protests and demands for an investigation.

Nnaji had celebrated his birthday on Tuesday before lodging at The Bull Hotel, where officers carried out an operation at about 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

His elder brother, Ogochukwu Nnaji, alleged that operatives took him from his room and that the family later found his body at the ESUT Teaching Hospital morgue. He rejected suggestions that his brother was involved in crime.

Youths subsequently marched towards Government House, calling for accountability.

Responding on Friday, police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe confirmed that Nnaji sustained fatal gunshot injuries during the operation.

Police alleged that he and another person attempted to escape and later tried to disarm an officer. According to their account, the firearm discharged during the struggle.

That account differs from the family’s allegation of an unlawful killing.

Commissioner of Police Bitrus Giwa has ordered an investigation into the death, including whether officers followed operational procedures and rules governing firearm use.

The command said any officer found responsible for wrongdoing would face disciplinary action.