By Ado Oyeyemi
Students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri have commenced a boycott of academic activities following the death of a 100-level Cybersecurity student, Chinedu Christogonus, whose alleged killing has sparked widespread outrage across the institution.
The Students’ Union Government announced the suspension of lectures, practical sessions, tests and other academic engagements from June 1 to June 5, 2026, as students intensify demands for justice and accountability over the tragic incident.
The development comes amid growing tension on campus after reports emerged that the undergraduate died following an alleged assault linked to a dispute over N13,500 said to have been realised during a patrol operation.
Sources within the university community alleged that the deceased, who reportedly served as an aide to a commander of the institution’s Man-O-War unit popularly known as “Viper,” was accused of using the money to purchase textbooks.
Information shared by a campus news platform on X claimed that Christogonus had previously faced accusations relating to funds generated from seized items.
According to the reports, he was interrogated after returning from an event in Abia State and allegedly subjected to prolonged punishment.
Witnesses were said to have claimed that despite appeals from students and passersby, the punishment continued for several hours before the victim reportedly lost consciousness.
He was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he was pronounced dead.
The incident triggered protests across the university, with aggrieved students taking to the streets to demand justice. Videos circulating on social media showed heightened tension on campus, with some facilities allegedly vandalised during the demonstrations as students expressed anger over the circumstances surrounding the death.
Reacting to the development, the Students’ Union Government, in a statement signed by its President, Christopher Chukwuebuka, and General Secretary, Mark Christopher, said the suspension of academic activities became necessary to press for transparency and ensure justice for the deceased.
The union demanded a comprehensive official statement from the university management, details of ongoing investigations, and concrete measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The suspension will remain in effect pending clear information on the circumstances of the incident, steps being taken to ensure justice, and verifiable actions aimed at preventing a recurrence,” the statement noted.
The union also urged students to remain peaceful and law-abiding while pursuing justice for their late colleague.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three students in connection with the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated that the victim was allegedly restrained and severely assaulted, resulting in fatal injuries.
The suspects identified by the police are Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21; Kelechi Gospel Ikenna, 24; and Obioma Anastasia, 21, all final-year students of the university.
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Police authorities said investigations are ongoing as students, alumni and members of the university community continue to demand accountability and justice over the death of the undergraduate.
