Local vigilantes at Owaelu, Uratta Community, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, have reportedly beaten one Chinonso Amadi, causing his death after he was accused of stealing a power bank.
On May 21, 2025, Amadi was accused of stealing a power bank; however, no power bank was found after a thorough search of his room was conducted. Despite the outcome of the search, he was picked up by the local watchmen from his maternal village, Owaelu and was tied like an animal and beaten by the community security men.
He lost consciousness as a result of the physical abuse he was subjected to. His brother, Ikenna Amadi, told West Africa Weekly that the men abandoned his unconscious body by the gate of their house, and they fled.
“Upon discovery by my mum, she raised an alarm, and they promptly provided first aid, dressed and rushed him to a nearby hospital. Two nearby hospitals refused to admit him, leading to his eventual admission to FMC Hospital, where his death was confirmed upon arrival due to internal bleeding,” his brother told West Africa Weekly.
Chinonso lying lifeless in the hospital (source: family)
Sadly, the missing power bank was later found. This is one among many instances where people are wrongly accused, detained, or killed for crimes they never committed.
As of the time of filing this report, West Africa Weekly is unsure if the case has been reported to the police; however, the family, currently broken and shattered by the sad occurrence, has called on the Imo State government to intervene and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“This is too hard for us to take and comprehend. All we want is justice for my brother. He did not steal anything. Even if he did, he did not deserve that kind of treatment or death. I want the Imo State government and Nigerians to help bring these evil men to justice,” his brother said.
