The Abia State Police Command has reacted to the viral video alleging that officers attached to the Owerrinta Divisional Police Station were responsible for the death of a civilian in Umuocheala, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The incident, which generated widespread reactions on social media, featured a young girl and her family accusing police officers of causing the death of their father during an attempted arrest.
In a press statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the Command said it is treating the allegation with the seriousness it deserves and has commenced an investigation to establish the true circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the police, the matter began on June 23, 2026, following a complaint that the family of one Nwachukwu Abraham allegedly stole cassava. The Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and his team visited the suspect’s residence on June 24 to effect an arrest.
The Command stated that upon arrival, the suspect informed the officers that he was seriously ill, having recently been discharged from the hospital due to kidney and liver disease. The village head was reportedly contacted and confirmed the suspect’s health condition. Based on this, the IPO requested that the village head ensure the suspect reported to the station by 8:00 a.m. the following day to make his statement.
The police further explained that the suspect’s wife and two daughters were initially taken to the station to provide statements. However, following the intervention of the Mayor of the Local Government, who requested their immediate release, the Divisional Police Officer approved their release through the community’s woman leader, with instructions that the family return the next morning.
According to the statement, only the two daughters later returned to the station without their parents and were subsequently asked to come back with the complete family on another date, which the police said has not yet happened.
Following the viral allegations, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, has directed that the Divisional Police Officer and all parties connected to the matter report to the State Headquarters for questioning. The case will thereafter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a discreet and comprehensive investigation.
The Command assured members of the public that the investigation will be conducted professionally, transparently, and in accordance with the rule of law. It also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid drawing conclusions until the investigation is completed and its findings made public.
This is the official position of the Abia State Police Command regarding the incident we reported yesterday involving the family in Umuocheala, Isiala Ngwa South. While the family has made serious allegations, the police have now presented their own account of events. As investigations continue, the full truth is yet to emerge, and FaceToFace TV will continue to monitor the case and provide verified updates as they become available.
