The police in Rivers State have confirmed the arrest of some of their personnel accused of killing one Eze Nyebuchi of Woji community in Obio Akpor Local Government Area.
The State Commissioner of Police (CP), Olatunji Disu, confirmed the arrests through a statement on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
The Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, issued the statement to confirm the arrests.
She said the suspected killer policemen were arrested alongside a suspect fingered in the torture and murder of Nyebuchi.
“We have visited the scene of the crime and condoled with the family members of late Nyebuchi.
“Suspects involved in the death of Nyebuchi, including the police officers, have been arrested and are currently at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for interrogation,’’ he said.
The policemen arrested Nyebuchi – a landlord – after he forcibly evicted a tenant from his property.
After several days in police custody, the Woji community Council of Chiefs pressured the police to reveal the whereabouts of the landlord.
Following public outcry, a search party was conducted and Nyebuchi’s decomposing body was found iat an uncompleted building in Chokocho, Etche Local Government Area.
Shortly after the body was found, youths of Woji community took to the streets on Monday to vent their anger over the suspected torture and killing of Nyebuchi.
The violent protest degenerated into a deadly clash between the protesters and the police, who reportedly fired gunshots in the air to scare the protesters.
The Paramount Ruler of Woji community, Eze Emeka Ihunwo, said injuries were found on the head and jaw of the slain Nyebuchi, indicating that he was beaten to death.
“I call on our youths to maintain the peace as justice will be served,’’ the paramount ruler assured.
– NAN