Monday, June 1, 2026 -Federal University of Technology, Owerri in Imo State…Photo Credit: FUTO Owerri
The Students’ Union Government of the Federal University of
Technology, Owerri, says it will boycott all academic activities following the
death of a 100-level cybersecurity student, Chinedu Christogonus.
The declaration for a boycott, which will run from June 1 to
June 5, 2026, comes amid growing outrage and calls for justice over the
circumstances surrounding the student’s death, an incident that has plunged the
university community into mourning.
According to reports circulating within the institution, the
incident allegedly stemmed from a dispute over N13,500 reportedly realised from
a patrol operation. Chinedu, who was said to have served as an Aide-de-Camp to
a commander of the university’s Man-O-War unit known as “Viper,” was accused of
using the money to purchase textbooks.
In an update shared on Sunday by FUTO Geng (@futogeng001), a
verified X account known for campus news and updates, sources claimed the
deceased had previously been accused of taking money from the proceeds of
seized items without refunding it.
The post further stated, “Reports further state that after
returning from an event in Abia State, Chinedu was questioned over the money
and subjected to severe punishment.
“Witnesses claimed that despite pleas from students and
passersby, the punishment continued for several hours. It was also reported
that he later became unconscious.
“He was subsequently rushed to FMC Owerri, where he was
reportedly confirmed dead on arrival.”
From several videos circulating online on Sunday that the
incident triggered unrest across the campus, with students staging protests and
demanding justice for their colleague.
During the demonstrations, some students were seen
vandalising buildings and damaging school facilities, while others fled for
safety as tensions escalated.
The social media update added that the incident had sparked
widespread anger across the campus.
“The incident has sparked outrage across campus, with
students demanding justice and a thorough investigation into the circumstances
surrounding his death.
“The case is reportedly under investigation by security
authorities, while reactions continue to pour in from students, alumni, and
members of the university community,” the post read.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by
the SUG President, Christopher Chukwuebuka, and the union’s General Secretary,
Mark Christopher, the students said they would boycott academic activities,
citing the gravity of the incident and the need to ensure transparency and
accountability.
“In light of the gravity of this matter and to demand
transparency and accountability, the SUG hereby suspends all lectures,
practicals, tests, and academic activities for all levels for a period of one
week, commencing Monday, June 1, 2026, to Friday, June 5, 2026.
“This suspension will remain until management provides a
detailed official statement on the incident, concrete steps being taken for
investigation and justice, and verifiable measures to prevent recurrence.
“The SUG remains committed to protecting the welfare,
safety, and dignity of all FUTO students. We urge everyone to remain calm,
peaceful, and law-abiding while we pursue justice,” the statement read.
The case is reportedly under investigation by relevant
security authorities, while students, alumni and members of the university
community continue to demand accountability over the circumstances surrounding
the student’s death.
According to a report by Channels TV on Sunday, the Imo
State Police Command has arrested three students over the alleged murder of the
21-year-old undergraduate.
Providing details of the incident, the Police Public
Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said preliminary investigations revealed
that the victim was allegedly restrained and subjected to severe assault,
resulting in fatal injuries.
According to him, the suspects are Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21;
Kelechi Gospel Ikenna, 24; and Obioma Anastasia, 21, all 500-level students of
the university.
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