The Ebonyi State Police Command and the Student Union Government (SUG) of Ebonyi State University are engaged in a dispute over the death of a third-year student named Ayogu Evans. Reports suggest that Evans died in a car accident while being pursued by the police on the busy Nkaliki Road in Abakaliki.
According to anonymous sources, Evans was driving alone when the tragic accident occurred. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, he passed away a few hours later. The sources claim that the police were chasing Evans at the time of the accident and fled the scene when it happened. They allegedly returned later to remove the wrecked car to their station at Liberation Estate.
In response to the incident, Tobias Oshim, the student union president, conducted an investigation and site inspection. Oshim stated that Evans was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the accident occurred. He also pointed out that the accident location was unusual for Evans, suggesting that he was only there due to the police chase. Oshim added that an eyewitness, a tricycle rider involved in the accident, confirmed the police chase involving three officers in a van.
The SUG president revealed that they met with the state police commissioner, Mrs. Ogodo Augustina, to discuss the incident. The focus of the meeting was to seek justice for Evans and address the issue of police brutality in the state.
However, the police command quickly responded to the accusations. In a statement signed by the police public relations officer, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, it was claimed that the police officers on snap, stop, and search duty observed a vehicle approaching their checkpoint. The vehicle suddenly reversed and sped off, raising suspicion. The police pursued the vehicle, but the driver did not stop until he was involved in an accident along Oriuzor Road. Traffic officers and concerned citizens then rushed Evans to the hospital, where he tragically passed away.
The conflicting accounts of the incident have heightened tensions between the police command and the student union. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ayogu Evans’ death continues, with both parties seeking justice and resolution.
