Abia Police Deny Viral Video Allegations, Explain Incident Behind Akwete Tension

 The Abia State Police Command has dismissed claims in a viral video alleging misconduct and misuse of firearms by officers attached to the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters.

In a statement released by the command, the police described the allegations as false and misleading, saying the video did not reflect the true circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the command, the matter began on May 11, 2026, after police arrested one Mr. Chidi Stanley of Obiohuru, Akwete, in connection with the death of his eight-year-old daughter, Chiamaka Stanley.

Police said preliminary findings showed that Chidi was involved in a domestic altercation with his sister, Mrs. Chinyere Stanley, when he allegedly threw a stone at her. The stone reportedly missed its intended target and struck his daughter instead.

The child was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

The command alleged that the family failed to report the incident to the police and had begun secret burial arrangements for the deceased child.

Acting on intelligence, officers from Akwete Division reportedly visited the scene, questioned the circumstances surrounding the death, requested access to the child’s body, and invited family members to the station for questioning.

However, the police said the family, allegedly supported by some youths in the community, resisted the officers and denied them access to the body. The situation was described as tense and potentially violent.

According to the statement, the officers documented the scene, including the grave already prepared for burial, before withdrawing to prevent escalation.

The police later issued an official invitation to the family and involved community leaders, which eventually led to compliance.

The command said that after preliminary investigations, the case and the suspect were transferred the same day to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation.

Police further alleged that some youths in the community later became agitated and attempted to attack officers and the Akwete police station.

The command said repeated appeals for calm were ignored, even after officers explained that the matter had already been transferred to the SCID.

According to the statement, police officers were forced to defend themselves, protect police property, and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Community leaders were said to have intervened and condemned the actions of the youths involved.

The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, civility, discipline, and lawful policing.

He said the police would continue to carry out their constitutional duties, including protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining law and order without bias.

The CP urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies rather than shielding suspects or engaging in violent acts that could amount to aiding crime.

He also warned that attacks on police officers carrying out lawful duties would not be tolerated.

The command added that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the attempted attack on police personnel and facilities.

Residents were advised to disregard misinformation, avoid spreading unverified reports, and continue providing timely and credible information to support effective policing in the state.