UK NEWS

RAPPER RECALLS 'TRAUMATIC' GUNPOINT ARREST

Rapper Zuby was surrounded by armed police as he got off his train

Wednesday July 9,2008

By Emily Garnham for express.co.uk

A RAPPER held at gunpoint in a case of mistaken identity told today how he had “never been so traumatised” in his life.

Nzube Udezue, a 21-year-old Oxford University graduate, was ordered to lie face-down by armed police on Bournemouth railway station platform before being handcuffed and arrested.

In his internet blog Mr Udezue, who goes by the rap name Zuby, recalled how he was “shocked, confused, scared and embarrassed all at the same time.”

His arrest followed an alleged firearms incident in Basingstoke, Hampshire, just before 6pm on Saturday.

It took me a couple of seconds to realise that it was me that all those guns were aimed at.

Nzube Udezue

Mr Udezue – who was wearing an orange and black T-shirt - matched the description of the suspect.

He was spotted by a British Transport Police officer travelling on a train from Southampton to Bournemouth, Dorset.

The computer science graduate had been promoting and selling his music in Southampton and wrote in his blog that he was looking forward to “a hardcore gym session” back in Bournemouth.

But as the train pulled into the station, he described how all hell was about to break loose.

He said: “It took me a couple of seconds to realise that it was me that all those guns were aimed at.

“Are they seriously talking to me? I honestly felt like I’d stepped off the train and into a really bad dream.”

Mr Udezue recalled: “I continuously explain to them that I’m really just an innocent musician and university graduate (with no criminal record) and that this whole thing is one REALLY big mistake.”

The Independent Police Complaints Commission was informed and has requested Dorset Police’s Professional Standards Department investigate.

A senior Dorset officer has visited Mr Udezue and his family, who live in Bournemouth, and the force has apologised.

In a statement, Dorset Police said: “The 21-year old Bournemouth man was taken to Bournemouth police station but it quickly became clear that it was a case of mistaken identity and he was released immediately.

“During the arrest at Bournemouth railway station, no shots were fired and no one was injured.”

They added: “Dorset Police is continuing to provide ongoing support to the innocent man - as well as his family - after the appointment of a dedicated family liaison officer.”

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