Authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have identified the body of a cross-dresser found dead along the Katampe-Mabushi expressway in Abuja on August 8, 2024. The victim has been confirmed as 33-year-old Ifeanyi-Chukwu Ajah Benedict, who hailed from Afikpo North Local Government Area in Ebonyi State and resided in the Dape area of Karmo in Abuja.
The discovery of the body, initially thought to be a female, was made early on the morning of August 8. The FCT Police Command received a distress call at approximately 7:40 AM reporting the presence of a motionless person along the expressway. Detectives were dispatched to the scene, where they found the body of a man dressed in female attire, with no identification on him. The deceased was promptly taken to Maitama District Hospital, where medical staff confirmed his death.
In a statement issued by the police, the FCT Command Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Josephine Adeh, provided more details. She noted that an investigation into the case had been immediately launched under the direction of the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, CP Benneth Igweh.
Adeh explained that “Sequel to a case of culpable homicide and discovery of an unidentified male corpse earlier mistaken for a female on August 8, 2024, the operatives of the FCT Command have begun a discreet investigation as ordered by the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth Igweh.”
Through their investigation, the police were able to identify the deceased as Ifeanyi-Chukwu Ajah Benedict. His family has been contacted and is cooperating with law enforcement in gathering more information about the circumstances leading to his death. SP Adeh confirmed that the family is “aiding the police with necessary information,” which could provide further insight into the tragedy.
This incident has garnered significant attention due to its tragic nature and the mistaken identity of the deceased. When the body was first discovered, it was believed to be that of a woman because of the cross-dressing, which initially led to some confusion. The investigation, which is ongoing, seeks to uncover the details of how Ifeanyi-Chukwu ended up in such a situation.
The police have been cautious in revealing too many specifics about the case as the investigation is still in its early stages. However, they have assured the public that they are conducting a thorough and discreet investigation. The Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh, ordered the investigation to be carried out promptly and efficiently to determine what happened to the deceased.
In her statement, SP Adeh highlighted that updates on the investigation would be communicated to the public as new information becomes available. “Further development will be communicated in due course,” she said, assuring the public that the police are working diligently to uncover the facts surrounding Ifeanyi-Chukwu’s death.
