The Delta State Police Command has denied culpability in the alleged murder of a youth simply identified as Emeka by police operatives.
The Nation gathered the victim died in a hospital in Asaba, Delta State capital last Wednesday, following alleged police brutality.
The incident which was posted on X by a relative of the deceased, Victor Onwuemene, was debunked by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright, a Superintendent, on his verified X handle.
Onwuemene had alleged that Emeka was killed by police officers after refusing to follow them to an undisclosed location.
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He further alleged that the deceased was struck with a gun, leading to his death, adding that Emeka’s lifeless body is currently at the mortuary and called for justice.
In a swift response, Edafe said incident occurred when Emeka and his friends upon spotting the police at night attempted to flee.
While others were apprehended, Emeka allegedly struck his head on a wall during a hot pursuit. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries two weeks later.
Edafe claimed his account was corroborated by Emeka’s brother, who initially approached the police with the story.
Edafe questioned the basis for blaming the police for Emeka’s death, stressing that the officers were not directly responsible for victim’s injuries.