The Anambra State Police Command has commenced a continuous and discreet investigation into the mysterious death of a 17-year-old apprentice, whose lifeless body was discovered in a compound at Umuzocha, Awka.
This directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Ikoye Orutugu, who emphasized that the Command would not close the case until the true cause of death is established.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the tragic discovery was reported to the police on October 5, 2025, at about 10:55 a.m.
The report indicated that a woman, upon returning home from a church vigil, found the body of an unidentified young man lying motionless within her compound at Umuzocha, Awka.
Police operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka, were immediately dispatched to the scene to commence preliminary investigation into the incident.
Upon arrival, officers documented the scene, took photographs, and evacuated the body to a nearby hospital for medical examination.
A medical doctor on duty later confirmed that the young man was dead on arrival.
Further police investigation led to the identification of the deceased as one Chikamso Ejiofor, aged 17, who was reportedly an apprentice in the area.
The police traced and informed the deceased’s parents about the development to enable them participate in the investigation process.
However, in a surprising development, the parents voluntarily expressed their decision not to pursue the case further.
They reportedly told investigators that they were aware of their son’s alleged unruly behavior before his death and did not wish to press for further inquiry.
To formalize their decision, the bereaved parents swore an affidavit and submitted a formal letter to the police withdrawing their interest in the matter.
Despite their position, the Commissioner of Police maintained that the Command has a statutory responsibility to investigate all cases of unnatural deaths.
He stressed that such investigations are necessary to uphold justice, transparency, and the rule of law, regardless of individual or family preferences.
CP Orutugu, therefore, directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, to continue a thorough review of the case to determine the actual cause of death and ensure due process is followed.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in the statement issued on Monday, October 20, 2025, assured that the Command would keep the public informed as credible findings emerge from the ongoing investigation.
