One Onyebuchi Anene has tragically lost his life after being tear-gassed by a member of the Abuja Special Intervention Squad (SIS) of the Nigeria Police.
Onyebuchi Anene succumbed to death after injuries he sustained from the year gas fired by the Police
Anene, a resident of Haj Estate on Arab Road, Kubwa, was returning home from work around 9 p.m. on Wednesday when his car collided with a motorcycle.
This accident led to a heated altercation between him and the motorcycle rider.
According to his wife, Ogochukwu Anene, eyewitnesses recounted that during the argument, police officers on patrol arrived and insisted that both men accompany them to the Byazhin Police Station.
Despite their refusal, stating that the matter was settled, the officers persisted. One officer, the driver of the police van, eventually shot a teargas canister at close range, hitting Mr. Anene’s forehead.
“The incident happened near our house. As they were arguing, police on patrol insisted they go to the station, but they said they had settled it.
The police tried to drag him, but he refused. The van driver sprayed teargas on him and then shot another canister at his forehead. Blood was gushing out as he called for help,” Mrs. Anene recounted.
Anene was initially taken to Kubwa General Hospital and then referred to the National Hospital, where he died early Thursday morning.
Mrs. Anene met police officers at the National Hospital who had been sent by the Byazhin Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to handle the situation.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the officer responsible for the teargas discharge.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, to begin an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Anene’s death.
He also expressed condolences to the family and assured swift justice.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had recently inaugurated the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in the FCT to combat rising crime.
The squad, composed of well-trained and equipped officers, aims for rapid intervention and community-oriented policing to enhance security and trust within the community.
“Our goal is to ensure that every corner of the FCT remains safe for its inhabitants,” Mr. Egbetokun stated.
