A middle-aged man identified simply as Emeka has lost his life after he was reportedly thrown from a four-storey building located at Afubera Street, Odoakpu, near Onitsha, in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 3am on Friday, threw residents of the area into panic.
When our correspondent visited the scene on Sunday, sympathisers were seen gathered within the compound, while police operatives maintained a presence.
A video circulating on social media showed the lifeless body of the victim lying on the ground as stunned residents looked on.
Sources in the area alleged that the deceased was accused of stealing boxer shorts belonging to his employer, who owns the building where the incident occurred.
A resident, who identified herself as Chichi, claimed the victim, said to be a site supervisor residing in the building, was subjected to assault and subsequently confined for days prior to the incident.
According to her, parts of the building serve as a factory for the production of boxer shorts, where the deceased worked in a supervisory role.
“He was accused of theft and beaten. After that, he was restrained and kept in a room for about three days.
In the early hours of Friday, we heard a loud noise and later found his body on the ground.
His head was still tied, which made us suspect he was pushed from the upper floor,” she said.
She added that the police later evacuated the body and took several individuals, including factory workers, into custody.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said investigations had commenced, with key suspects already arrested.
He noted that conflicting accounts had emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“There are different narratives assisting the investigation.
While some allege that the victim was killed, others claim he may have jumped while attempting to escape confinement.
“The command is examining all available information to ensure justice is served. An autopsy will also be conducted to determine the cause of death.
The case remains under investigation, and suspects are currently in custody,” Ikenga stated.