Abia Police Deny Involvement In Okigwe Assault, Say Suspects Are Vigilantes

CP Afolabi Warns Against Misinformation, Urges Public To Verify Before Sharing Viral Video

UMUAHIA, Abia State – The Abia State Police Command has distanced itself from a viral video circulating on social media showing the assault of a young lady and her brother by armed men at Okigwe, while they were reportedly en route to Abia State University.

In a press statement issued on Monday, September 7, 2026, the Command clarified that Okigwe is not under its jurisdiction and that the armed men involved are not officers of the Abia State Police Command.

The Command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, said preliminary findings and information from the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, covering the area in Imo State, affirmed that the individuals involved are members of a community vigilante group.

According to the statement, the DPO has visited the scene of the incident and the suspects have been apprehended. Investigation is ongoing, and the Command said it awaits an official statement from the Imo State Command.

The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Afolabi, reiterated that officers of the Command remain professional and disciplined in the discharge of their duties.

He emphasised that any officer found wanting in conduct or discipline will not be spared from appropriate disciplinary actions.

The Command also urged members of the public to refrain from spreading misinformation.

“Abians are advised to verify information from appropriate authorities before posting, liking, or sharing content on social media,” the statement said.  

“The spread of unverified information can create unnecessary tension, erode public trust, and pose a threat to security.”

The Command concluded with a call to “say NO TO MISINFORMATION” in order to keep Abia safe.