The Abia and Imo State Police Commands have clarified a viral video showing the assault of a young woman and her brother in Okigwe, Imo State, confirming that the armed men involved were members of the Imo State Vigilante Organisation and not police officers.
The victims were reportedly travelling to Abia State University when they were attacked in Okigwe.
The Abia State Police Command initially stated that the incident occurred in Okigwe, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Imo State Police Command.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, said preliminary findings and information from the Divisional Police Officer responsible for the area indicated that the men seen in the video were members of a community vigilante group.
Chinaka said the DPO had visited the scene and that the suspects had been apprehended, while the command awaited an official statement from its Imo counterpart.
The Imo State Police Command subsequently confirmed the arrest of two suspects identified as Ejiogu Nchekwube and Caleb Onyebuchi.
In a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Okoye Henry, the suspects were identified as personnel of the Imo State Vigilante Organisation and were being detained at the Okigwe Divisional Police Headquarters while investigations continued.
The command said it was aware of the video circulating on social media and assured the public that anyone found culpable would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and respect for the rights of members of the public.
Similarly, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, said officers of the command remained professional and disciplined in the discharge of their duties.
