OWERRI, Nigeria — The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre has condemned the alleged torture that led to the death of Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus, a 100-level Cyber Security student at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and ordered an investigation into the university’s Man O’ War Cadet Unit.
Christogonus reportedly died after being subjected to unauthorized disciplinary drills and corporal punishment by members of the cadet unit over allegations of theft. His death has ignited anger across the campus and beyond, raising questions about the role of paramilitary groups in Nigerian universities.
“The loss of a young life under such circumstances is profoundly painful and deeply regrettable,” CLTC Director-General Rinsola Abiola said in a statement Tuesday. “Such actions are a direct and flagrant violation of the values, principles and code of conduct that govern Man O’ War Nigeria operations.”
CLTC said it has launched an administrative inquiry and pledged to share findings with the Imo State Police Command and the State Criminal Investigation Department. The agency vowed that no individual found culpable would be shielded from justice.
Man O’ War units, originally designed as leadership and citizenship training groups, have long operated in Nigerian tertiary institutions. While they are meant to instill discipline and community service, critics argue that some units have strayed into authoritarian practices, including unauthorized drills and corporal punishment. Past incidents of alleged abuse have fueled calls for reform, with student unions and rights groups questioning whether such organizations should remain active on campuses. CLTC acknowledged this concern, announcing a comprehensive review of Man O’ War operations in tertiary institutions to strengthen compliance with human rights standards.
Students at FUTO flooded social media with hashtags like #JusticeForChinedu, demanding accountability and the disbandment of the cadet unit. Lawmakers in Imo State described the incident as “a wake-up call” for universities to reassess the presence of paramilitary groups on campuses. The National Association of Nigerian Students condemned the death, calling it “a brutal violation of student rights” and urging the federal government to regulate campus security outfits.
Twitter and Facebook users expressed grief and outrage, with one post reading, “Universities are meant to nurture, not torture. This is unacceptable.” Another user wrote, “Man O’ War has become a menace. It’s time for reform.”
CLTC said it is committed to transparency and reform, promising that findings from the probe will be made public. The tragedy has intensified calls for human rights compliance and campus security reform across Nigeria’s higher institutions.
