Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Imo State Police Command has arrested and detained four security personnel, including two regular police officers and two Supernumerary (Spy) Police operatives, after a viral video surfaced showing them forcefully shoving a young man into the boot of a vehicle during an operation in the Nekede area of Owerri. The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026, along Human Race Road in Nekede, sparked widespread outrage on social media and prompted the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, to order an immediate investigation and the detention of the officers involved.
The Command's Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday, August 3, 2026. According to Okoye, preliminary findings revealed that the four personnel captured in the viral video comprised two police officers attached to the Nekede Divisional Headquarters and two Supernumerary Police Officers. They were reportedly conducting an operation at a suspected drug trafficking location along Human Race Road, during which two suspects were arrested. Substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa were recovered from one suspect, who admitted to selling illicit drugs in the area.
Despite the outcome of the operation, the Command unequivocally condemned the conduct of the officers. "The manner in which one of the suspects was arrested and forced into the boot of a vehicle is unacceptable, inhumane, and completely not in conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures, Code of Conduct, and professional ethics of the Nigeria Police Force," the statement read. The Commissioner of Police subsequently ordered the immediate detention of the four officers and directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. Disciplinary proceedings have also commenced against the erring officers, with the Command promising to make the outcome of the investigation public upon its conclusion.
Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who drew public attention to the incident, identified the victim as Princewill Chimaobi. According to Gwamnishu, Chimaobi was arrested while attempting to charge his mobile phone and was forced into the boot of a tinted Honda Accord after questioning the officers about the reason for his arrest. Gwamnishu further stated that while speaking with Chimaobi in police custody, officers reportedly acknowledged that nothing incriminating was found on him. Following public pressure, Chimaobi was later released unconditionally by the Imo State Police Command.
Gwamnishu welcomed the detention of the four personnel but maintained that Chimaobi suffered emotional trauma and deserves justice, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable under the law. The Imo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to fighting crime while ensuring that officers operate professionally, lawfully, and with full respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens. The Command urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue into the incident.
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