Police Clarify Akwete Incident, Dismiss Viral Video Claims.

Police Clarify Akwete Incident, Dismiss Viral Video Claims.

The Abia State Police Command has dismissed claims circulating in a viral social media video alleging misconduct and misuse of firearms by officers attached to the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters, insisting that the reports are false and misleading.

In a press statement issued on Friday, the Command explained that the incident stemmed from a domestic altercation that led to the death of an eight-year-old girl in Akwete community, Ukwa East Local Government Area..

According to the statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, operatives of the Akwete Divisional Headquarters arrested one Mr. Chidi Stanley of Obiohuru, Akwete, on May 11, 2026, following intelligence reports linked to the incident.

The police disclosed that during a quarrel with his sister, Mrs. Chinyere Stanley, the suspect allegedly threw a stone at her but mistakenly struck his daughter, Miss Chiamaka Stanley, causing fatal injuries. The child was reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital where she was confirmed dead by a doctor.

The Command further alleged that the family concealed the incident from authorities and made arrangements to secretly bury the deceased child without notifying the police.
It stated that acting on credible intelligence, officers visited the scene and requested access to the body while inviting members of the family to the station for questioning.

However, some family members and youths in the community reportedly resisted police intervention and denied officers access to the body, thereby creating tension in the area.

According to the statement, the police documented the scene, including the already-dug grave, before withdrawing to prevent escalation of violence.

The Command added that after further engagement with community leaders and the issuance of an official invitation, the family later complied, leading to the transfer of the case and the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for detailed investigation.

The police also alleged that some aggrieved youths later mobilised and attempted to attack officers and the Akwete Police Division despite repeated explanations that the matter had already been transferred to the SCID.

The statement noted that officers were forced to defend themselves and protect police facilities from destruction, while community leaders reportedly intervened and condemned the actions of the youths.

Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and lawful policing in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police.

He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to aid crime prevention and warned against shielding suspects or attacking officers carrying out lawful duties.

The Command also appealed to members of the public to disregard misinformation surrounding the incident and avoid spreading unverified reports capable of escalating tension in the state.