The Police in Ebonyi State have launched investigation into the reported abduction and death of a student of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu, Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, after the arrest of four suspects.
The deceased, Magnus Okeke, an extra year student of the Department of Accountancy was said to be spending an extra year of studies when he was supposed to have graduated, before the incident that claimed his life.
The University Management alleged that Magnus was abducted on June 1, 2024 while returning to his private hostel at a remote Ohankwu village, in the University host community.
A Press statement released by the institution’s Public Relation Officer, Elom Ubochi said the decomposing body of the victim was recovered under the bridge of Ako stream at Nwakpu village, along the Ikwo – Abakaliki road on Monday, 17th June 2024, over two weeks after his disappearance.
The statement notes that efforts by the University Management through its Directorate of Security Affairs that worked closely with the Police and other security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the student failed as he was murdered by his captors.
“According to preliminary reports from security agencies, the alleged perpetrators of the heinous crime were criminal youth elements from Ohankwu village allegedly led by one Ogobuchi Uhuo, popularly known as OG Royal.
The security agencies have apprehended some of those alleged to be involved in the abduction of Magnus, and did everything possible to rescue him alive. Unfortunately, on Monday, 17th June, 2024, the decomposing body of Magnus was painfully recovered under the bridge of Ako stream at Nwakpu village, along Ikwo/Abakaliki road”, the University spokesperson stated.
Ubochi further explained that there was no cult-related war in the University campus in which Magnus was killed as being insinuated in some quarters, while appealling to anyone with useful information that could aid in the investigation to come forward and assist the authorities.
The Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu confirmed the incident to AIT in a conversation, pointing out that investigation is on course.
“Four persons have been arrested in connection of the incident, it’s still under investigation to establish if he was kidnapped for ransom or if he was murdered, or if it’s cult related..but the suspects are still being interrogated.” Ukandu explained.
CUE OUT: The abduction and death of Magnus Okeke, an extra year student of AE-FUNAI is coming barely one month after one Miss Favour Ugwuka, an extra year student of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki was reported to have committed suicide over allegations that a lecturer in the University frustrated her in failing a particular course repeatedly.
The accused lecturer have repeatedly denied the claims.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
