Security operatives allegedly kill young man in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a young man, Smith Odinaka, by security operatives in the state. Odinaka was fatally shot on Sunday, 13 October, around 1 a.m. along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

The incident sparked outrage on social media, with several users on the platform X (formerly Twitter) accusing the Enugu police of being responsible for Odinaka’s death. Many shared photos of his body, calling for justice.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the police denied direct involvement in the killing but admitted that the incident was carried out by “security agents.”

However, the statement did not specify the agency responsible for the shooting or the circumstances that led to the young man’s death.

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“Preliminary findings indicate that the victim was driving a Mercedes Benz car in the company of two of his male friends when a gunshot, allegedly fired by individuals suspected to be security agents, struck the vehicle. Smith Odinaka sustained a gunshot wound to his left hip.

“He was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead by the attending doctor, and his body deposited in the mortuary, pending an autopsy,” Daniel Ndukwe, the police spokesperson in Enugu State, said in the statement.

He said the investigation has so far not linked the crime to any police officer or police team.

Mr Ndukwe, a deputy superintendent of police, said the Commissioner of Police in Enugu, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has directed the deputy commissioner of police, State CID, to investigate the killing.

“CP Uzuegbu has assured the public that all necessary efforts will be made to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and to ensure that justice is served,” he said.

The police spokesperson promised to make the police findings public when it is available.

(PremiumTimes)