The Abia State Police Command has responded to a viral video circulating on social media alleging misconduct and misuse of firearms by officers attached to the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement, the police said the incident stemmed from the arrest of Chidi Stanley on May 11 following allegations linked to the death of his eight-year-old daughter, Chiamaka Stanley.
According to the command, the suspect allegedly threw a stone during a domestic altercation with his sister, Chinyere Stanley, but the object mistakenly struck his daughter. Police said the child was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was confirmed dead by a doctor.
The command alleged that the family concealed the incident from authorities and began preparations for the child’s burial without notifying the police. Acting on intelligence, officers reportedly arrived at the scene, requested access to the child’s body and invited members of the family to the police station for questioning.
However, the police claimed that family members, supported by some youths in the community, resisted the officers and denied them access, creating what the command described as “a tense and potentially violent situation.” According to the statement, officers documented the scene, including the grave prepared for burial, before withdrawing to avoid escalation.
The police later issued an official invitation to the family and engaged community leaders, which eventually led to compliance. The command stated that following preliminary investigations, the matter and the suspect were transferred on the same day to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Police also alleged that some youths later became agitated and attempted to attack officers and the Akwete police station despite repeated explanations that the matter had already been transferred to the SCID. The command said officers were “compelled to defend themselves, protect police property, and prevent further breakdown of law and order.”
Community leaders were said to have intervened and condemned the actions of the youths involved