CLTC launches probe into alleged torture, killing of FUTO student

The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) has condemned the alleged killing of Chibuzor Chinedu, a student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo state.

There was tension on the university campus on Saturday after operatives of Man O’ War allegedly tortured the 100-level cybersecurity student to death.

The cadets reportedly arrested Chinedu and tortured him for five hours over an alleged theft of N13,000.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Rinsola Abiola, director-general of CLTC, condoled the family of the deceased, saying the agency has commenced an administrative investigation into the incident.

“The loss of a young life under such circumstances is profoundly painful and deeply regrettable,” the statement reads.

CLTC supervises Man O’ War Nigeria and its formations across tertiary institutions through the National Union of Man O’ War Cadets in Higher Institutions (NUMOWCHIN).

Abiola said allegations of unauthorised physical drills, corporal punishment, torture and extrajudicial disciplinary actions violate the values and principles guiding Man O’ War operations.

“The conduct alleged in connection with this incident, including unauthorised physical drills, corporal punishment, torture and extrajudicial disciplinary action, is not part of the rules of engagement, operational guidelines or professional standards expected of any personnel operating under structures affiliated with or supervised by this agency,” she read.

“Such actions are a direct and flagrant violation of the values, principles and code of conduct that govern Man O’ War Nigeria operations and are completely repudiated by this centre.”

Abiola added that the agency would share its findings on the incident with the Imo state police command, the state criminal investigation department (SCID) and other relevant authorities to support ongoing criminal investigations.

“No individual found culpable will be shielded from the consequences of their actions,” she said.

Abiola said the agency is also undertaking a comprehensive reform of the operational framework of Man O’ War Nigeria, particularly within tertiary institutions, to ensure compliance with modern standards, rules of engagement and human rights obligations.

She noted that the incident at FUTO highlights the need for urgent reforms aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.

She also expressed the CLTC’s solidarity with the management, staff, students and alumni of FUTO, assuring them of its readiness to work with the university authorities, the family of the deceased and other stakeholders to ensure a transparent and lasting resolution of the matter.

Abiola also appealed for calm among members of the university community and urged all parties to allow due process to take its course as investigations continue.