Students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), have staged protests following the reported death of a 100-level Cybersecurity student who allegedly died after being detained and assaulted by members of the Man O’ War group over an accusation of stealing ₦13,000.
According to reports circulating within the university community, the incident began after the student was accused of stealing the said amount and was subsequently apprehended by Man O’ War cadets. Witnesses alleged that he was subjected to prolonged punishment and physical assault that lasted for several hours. Reports indicate that the student later became unresponsive overnight while still in custody, before he was eventually confirmed dead.
The tragic development sparked immediate outrage across the campus, with students taking to the streets to demand justice, accountability, and a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. Protesters have also questioned the powers exercised by paramilitary and disciplinary groups operating within tertiary institutions.
In response to the growing tension, FUTO authorities reportedly suspended all Man O’ War activities on campus indefinitely pending the outcome of investigations. As of the time of filing this report, neither the university management nor Man O’ War Nigeria had released a comprehensive official statement detailing the exact circumstances that led to the student’s death.
The incident has reignited concerns over the treatment of students accused of misconduct and renewed calls for disciplinary matters to be handled strictly within the confines of the law. Investigations are expected to establish the precise cause of death and determine those responsible.
Editor’s Note: While reports confirm that the student became unresponsive overnight after hours of alleged assault, authorities have not yet released an official timeline specifying the exact date and time of the incident.