FUTO Student’s Death: Centre Vows Justice, Opens Investigation

The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) has condemned the alleged unauthorised disciplinary actions that reportedly led to the death of a student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus, and announced the commencement of an administrative investigation into the incident.

In a statement issued yesterday by its director-general, Rinsola Abiola, the Centre  expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased student, the university community and his colleagues.

Christogonus, a 100-level Cyber Security student, reportedly died following disciplinary actions allegedly carried out by officials of the FUTO Man O’ War Cadet Unit over an accusation of theft.

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

CLTC, which supervises Man O’ War Nigeria and its formations across tertiary institutions through the National Union of Man O’ War Cadets in Higher Institutions (NUMOWCHIN), said the conduct alleged in the incident was inconsistent with the organisation’s operational standards and code of conduct.

According to the agency, allegations of unauthorized 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 unauthorized 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,” the statement 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.”

The agency said it had immediately commenced an administrative investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and pledged to ensure transparency throughout the process.

It added that upon the conclusion of its inquiry, it would cooperate fully with the Imo State Police Command, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and other relevant authorities by sharing its findings to support ongoing criminal investigations.

“CLTC commits to full transparency in its administrative proceedings. Upon the conclusion of its administrative investigation, the agency will cooperate with the relevant authorities and share its findings with all other appropriate agencies to support the full course of justice,” the statement said.

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

The agency also disclosed that it is 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.

According to CLTC, the incident at FUTO highlights the need for urgent reforms aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.

The agency further expressed 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.

CLTC 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.