• Cites public concerns over transparency
• Urges Gov. Peter Mbah to intervene, vows to pursue justice until facts are established

The Enugu Youth Progressive Forum (EYPF) has intensified calls for justice over the death of an engineer reportedly linked by petitioners to the residence of Hon. Nelson Maduka Arum, demanding a thorough investigation, prosecution of anyone found culpable, and immediate intervention by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

In a petition submitted to the IGP and copied to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, the group expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident and vowed to pursue justice until the facts are established.

The petition, dated July 29, 2026, and received at the Force Headquarters, was signed by the National Coordinator of EYPF, Mr. Onyekwere Onu, and the General Secretary, Mr. Ikechukwu Ugwuoko.

According to the group, the incident, which has continued to generate widespread public attention, was reported to have occurred at the Zoo Estate residence of Hon. Nelson Maduka Arum in Enugu State.

EYPF stated that issues surrounding the death have continued to dominate public discourse, particularly following the circulation of photographs and reports allegedly connected to the incident.

The group further stated that reports in the public domain have referenced an alleged financial dispute involving the deceased before the incident. However, it maintained that only a comprehensive and independent investigation can establish the authenticity of such claims and the exact circumstances surrounding the death.

The organisation called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure a thorough investigation capable of addressing public concerns and strengthening confidence in the outcome of the process.

“Given the seriousness of the incident and the significant public interest it has generated, many residents have expressed concern that the investigation must be conducted in a manner that is completely independent, transparent, impartial and free from any actual or perceived influence,” the petition stated.

The group argued that the status of Hon. Nelson Maduka Arum as a political figure and House of Representatives aspirant under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) makes it imperative for security agencies to handle the matter with utmost professionalism and transparency.

EYPF also noted that concerns had previously been raised about Hon. Arum in petitions reportedly submitted by some constituents to the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). According to the group, those petitions contained allegations relating to his public conduct. However, EYPF stressed that such allegations remain unproven and that only competent authorities can determine their validity.

According to EYPF, the people of Enugu State deserve answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the death, stressing that public confidence in law enforcement institutions depends largely on their ability to investigate sensitive matters without fear or favour.

The Forum called for the immediate collection and preservation of all available evidence, including video recordings, photographs, witness testimonies, forensic materials and any other evidence that may assist investigators in determining what transpired.

It also demanded that all persons considered relevant to the investigation be invited for questioning and that the findings of the investigation be made public, insisting that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“We are demanding a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into this matter. The circumstances surrounding the death of this young engineer are too serious to be ignored. If anyone is found culpable after investigations, such a person must face the full weight of the law,” the group stated.

The Forum further called on Governor Peter Mbah to intervene in the interest of justice and reassure residents that no individual is above the law.

According to the group, the governor’s intervention has become necessary given the growing public concern and the widespread attention the matter has attracted within and outside Enugu State.

The youths vowed not to remain silent until the truth is uncovered.

“We will not keep mute. We will continue to demand accountability and justice until the facts are established. An injury to one is an injury to all. The life of every citizen matters and no one should be denied justice because of the influence or status of another,” the group declared.

While maintaining its demand for justice, EYPF stated that its petition should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against Hon. Nelson Maduka Arum or any other individual, noting that only a credible investigation can establish responsibility.

The group therefore urged the Inspector-General of Police to urgently intervene and ensure that the matter is handled by the appropriate authorities and investigated thoroughly in the interest of justice.

As of the time of filing this report, no law enforcement agency had publicly announced any conclusion regarding the incident.