Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Abia State Police Command has issued a firm denial regarding a viral video that has sparked widespread outrage across social media. The footage shows armed men assaulting a young lady and her brother at Okigwe in Imo State, while they were reportedly travelling to Abia State University, Uturu. In a press statement released on Monday, September 7, 2026, the Command clarified that Okigwe is outside its jurisdiction and that the individuals seen in the video are not officers of the Abia State Police Command.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, stated that preliminary findings, corroborated by the Divisional Police Officer covering the area in Imo State, confirm that the armed men are members of a community vigilante group, not police officers. The statement emphasised that the Abia State Police Command maintains a professional and disciplined workforce under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, and any officer found wanting in conduct would face disciplinary action.
In a parallel development, the Imo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the assault. The suspects, identified as Ejiogu Nchekwube and Caleb Onyebuchi, are personnel of the Imo State Vigilante Organisation. They are currently being detained at the Okigwe Divisional Police Headquarters pending further investigation. The Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, has reaffirmed the command's commitment to professionalism and accountability, assuring that anyone found culpable will face appropriate action in accordance with the law.
The viral video, which has been widely circulated, has drawn condemnation from various quarters, including human rights groups and civil society organisations, who have called for justice for the victims and an end to the harassment of citizens by vigilante groups. The Abia State Police Command has urged members of the public to verify information from appropriate authorities before sharing content on social media, warning that the spread of unverified information can create unnecessary tension and erode public trust.
As the investigation continues, both police commands have called on residents to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information. The Imo State Police Command has promised to release further details as the investigation progresses.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments