The Anambra State Police Command says it has launched an investigation into the death of an 80-year-old man, Paul Onwualu, who allegedly died following a police-led operation linked to a traditional stool dispute in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said on Tuesday that preliminary findings showed the officers involved in the incident had been identified but were not attached to the Anambra State Police Command.
“The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that it has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of the late Mr Paul Onwualu,” Ikenga said in a statement.
According to him, the command is treating the matter seriously and urged residents to remain calm while investigations continue.
“Preliminary information available to the Command reveals that the officers allegedly involved in the arrest before the sudden complication of the deceased’s health, which later led to his death, have been identified, but are not operatives attached to the Anambra State Police Command,” the statement said.
Ikenga added that Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu had directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and assured the public that the findings would be made public.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses and family members alleged that Onwualu, an aspirant to the community’s traditional stool, died after being assaulted during an attempted arrest at his residence last Thursday.
The dispute over the Igweship stool is currently before the High Court in Ogidi under Suit No. HID/72/2026.
According to witnesses, the officers, allegedly accompanied by individuals opposed to Onwualu’s aspiration to the throne, stormed his residence to arrest him.
An eyewitness alleged that the elderly man was beaten during the operation and later collapsed while being taken to a police station.
He was reportedly rushed to Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital in Ogidi, where medical personnel confirmed him dead.
The deceased’s wife, Anthonia Onwualu, also confirmed the incident and alleged that the officers arrived with rivals in the succession dispute.
“On Thursday, the police, in company with some people who opposed my husband’s Igweship aspiration, stormed our Umusiome residence, beating my husband before whisking him away,” she said.
She added that she was later informed that the officers were taking him to Ogidi Police Station when he collapsed and was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
