UNN party tragedy: Cousin of deceased student insists victim never drank or used drugs

A relative of one of the four University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) students who died following an off-campus graduation party has strongly disputed widespread narratives linking the tragedy to alcohol or substance abuse, insisting that his late cousin neither drank nor used drugs.

Cousin challenges preliminary narratives

In an emotional social media tribute mourning his younger cousin, identified as Nnamochie (fondly called Dodo), a Nigerian man named Ugwuanyi Ikenna disclosed that eyewitnesses who survived the November 11, 2026 gathering at Hilltop, Nsukka, confirmed Nnamochie did not consume alcohol or illicit substances at the party.

Expressing shock at returning from Lagos only to identify his cousin’s lifeless body at the mortuary, Ugwuanyi vowed that their community (Umu Ezeomawulu) would ensure a thorough investigation uncovers the actual cause of death.

“Reading so many narratives online, yet the survivors still said it that you don’t do alcohol nor do drugs,” Ugwuanyi wrote. “Yes, investigations are still ongoing, but trust Umu Ezeomawulu—we won’t disappoint you. We will definitely get to the root.”

Breakdown of attendees and hospital observations

Sharing further details gathered from survivors and visits to both the hospitals and the morgue, Ugwuanyi stated that 11 students—five males and six females—were inside the room during the celebration, where a bottle of Best gin and Magic Moment were served.

According to his account:

• Casualties: Two male and two female students lost their lives.
• Survivors: Three male and three female students survived and are currently receiving treatment, while one female attendee reportedly refused to take any drink.

He added that visits to the medical facilities and mortuary had yielded “striking revelations,” noting he was holding back from publicly airing sensitive questions pending the outcome of formal forensic and police probes.

Governor Mbah orders probe as UNN mourns

The family’s demand for answers comes as Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and announced plans to collaborate with tertiary institutions to strictly enforce a ban on sign-out parties across the state.

Meanwhile, UNN management, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya, has declared a three-day mourning period—suspending all academic and social activities across the campus—while Enugu State Police Command investigators await autopsy and toxicology results to establish the exact cause of the fatalities.

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