Police Launch Probe into Viral Video Alleging Role in Civilian’s Death in Abia

Police Launch Probe into Viral Video Alleging Role in Civilian’s Death in Abia

The Abia State Police Command has commenced an investigation into allegations circulating on social media that officers attached to the Owerrinta Divisional Police Station were responsible for the death of a civilian during an arrest operation.

The allegation emerged in a viral video posted on Facebook, where a young girl and members of her family accused police officers of causing the death of their father during an arrest linked to an ongoing investigation.

However, the Police Command said preliminary reports from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) indicated that the incident stemmed from a complaint received on June 23, 2026, alleging that the family of one Nwachukwu Abraham had stolen cassava.

According to the police, an Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and his team visited the suspect’s residence on June 24 to effect an arrest.

On arrival, the suspect reportedly informed the officers that he was suffering from kidney and liver disease and had recently been discharged from the hospital, making him unable to accompany them to the station.

The police said the village head was contacted through the suspect and subsequently confirmed his health condition.

The IPO thereafter requested that the community leader ensure the suspect reported to the station by 8 a.m. the following day to make a statement.

The Command further explained that the suspect’s wife and two daughters were initially taken to the station to provide statements but were later released following the intervention of the Mayor of the Local Government Area, who appealed for their immediate release.

They were handed over to the community’s woman leader and directed to return the next day.Police authorities stated that on June 24, the woman leader returned to the station with only the two daughters, without their parents.

They were subsequently asked to return with the complete family on another date, a directive the family has yet to comply with.

Reacting to the viral allegation, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, ordered that the DPO and all parties connected to the matter be brought before him for questioning.

The Command also disclosed that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The Police Commissioner assured residents that the investigation would be conducted transparently and that its findings would be made public upon completion.

The Command urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid drawing conclusions while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged death are ongoing.