By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has commenced a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of a 17-year-old apprentice, Master Chikamso Ejiofor, who was reportedly found lifeless in a compound at Umuzocha, Awka, following reports that he had earlier been threatened after exposing theft in Eke Awka market.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikoye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, to carry out a discreet and comprehensive investigation aimed at determining the true cause of the teenager’s death.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command received a report at about 10:55 a.m. on October 5, 2025, from a resident who returned from a church vigil and discovered the motionless body of a young male within her compound.
He said the police operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka, swiftly mobilized to the scene, documented evidence, took necessary photographs, and conveyed the victim to a nearby hospital where a medical doctor confirmed him dead.
According to him, further investigative efforts led to the identification of the deceased as 17-year-old Chikamso Ejiofor, an apprentice trader in the Eke Awka market. The victim’s parents were subsequently traced and informed of the incident.
He, however, revealed that, in a surprising development, the parents reportedly expressed no interest in pursuing the matter, citing what they described as their late son’s alleged unruly behaviour. He said the parents had also sworn an affidavit and submitted a formal letter to the Command, withdrawing their interest in the case.
Howbeit, despite the parents’ stance, CP Orutugu emphasized that the Command has a statutory and moral responsibility to investigate all cases of unnatural or suspicious deaths within the state. He, therefore, directed that the case file be transferred to the State CID for a detailed review and further inquiries aimed at ensuring transparency and justice.
The Police Command also assured members of the public that no stone would be left unturned in uncovering the truth surrounding the death of the teenager, stressing that findings from the ongoing investigation would determine subsequent actions in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Command appealed to residents of Awka and members of the public to remain calm and continue to support police efforts by providing useful information that could aid in the investigation. It further reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law, order, and justice in the state, assuring that every life remains valuable under the watch of the Anambra State Police Command.
Recall that 247UREPORTS had earlier reported the case of the 17-year-old boy who was allegedly killed after he exposed activities of thieves ongoing in her Madam’s shop at Eke Awka Market.
