Chaos broke out at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO, yesterday after students destroyed the office of the school’s Man’O’War unit. The protest followed the death of a 100-level Cyber Security student, Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus, who was allegedly beaten to death by Man’O’War operatives over an accusation of theft.
Chinedu, 21, was accused of stealing N13,000 and a piece of cow skin, “pomo”, from a woman in 2025. According to a viral video from the campus, the unit’s commander ordered his men to arrest and flog him. The beating reportedly started around 6pm on Friday and continued for hours.
“Even after 30 minutes they were still flogging him with that green pipe they use for wiring,” a student who witnessed it said. Another student claimed the group regularly punishes students harshly for minor offences. “They flogged a girl for cooking in her corridor. Okada riders are not safe either. Every student fears them,” she said.
Chinedu died yesterday at a hospital near the school where he was rushed for treatment.
The incident sparked a full breakdown of order on campus. Angry students stormed the Man’O’War base, smashed property, set bonfires, and sang war songs in protest.
Imo State Police Command confirmed it has arrested three 500-level FUTO students: Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21; Kelechi Gospel Ikenna, 24; and Obioma Anastasia, 21.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye said the Commissioner, CP Audu Garba Bosso, ordered their immediate arrest. The body has been moved to FMC Owerri morgue for autopsy, and the case is now with the State CID for full investigation.
“The command is on top of the situation. No one will be protected if found culpable,” Okoye stated. Police are urging students and the public to stay calm while investigations continue.