Barr. Eli Ugwu, senior lawyer in Enugu State, has been shot dead in Kogi State soon after providing ransom to kidnappers who abducted his cousin.

The catastrophic incident has thrown the indigenes of Nsukka where he hails from into mourning.

It was at first reported that the lawyer was murdered by kidnappers after paying the ransom but a contradicting report indicated that he was mistakenly shot dead by police officers as he was leaving the bush with his freed cousin.

A lawmaker who wished to be anonymous said, “He had victoriously delivered the ransom and was coming out with the victim when policemen shot them. Eli was shot dead immediately but his cousin, the abducted victim, is responding to treatment."

The situation relating to his death remains unclear as the Kogi State Police Command has yet to provide an official statement concerning the incident.

Reports also noted that Ugwu was a respected member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Nsukka branch.