The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Ifeanyi Chukwu Joseph, for allegedly pushing a 17-year-old girl, Chiamaka Chukwuokore, from a two-storey building in Owerri, the state capital. The incident occurred on Sunday and has since sparked outrage across the city.
The command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest on Monday. According to him, officers took the suspect into custody after rescuing him from an angry mob. Okoye said the girl is the younger sister of Joseph’s girlfriend. However, the command’s official statement later described her as the girlfriend’s niece.
Okoye explained that Joseph and Chiamaka had a confrontation before the suspect pushed her. As a result, she fell from the building and suffered critical injuries. Rescuers rushed her to a hospital, where doctors are treating her. She remains in critical condition.
In its statement, the command gave details of the incident. “The Imo State Police Command has arrested one Ifeanyi Chukwu Joseph, aged 26, following allegations that he pushed a 17-year-old girl, Chiamaka Chukwuokore, said to be the niece of his girlfriend, from a two-storey building along Mbonu Ejike Street, Ikeneagbu in Owerri,” the statement read.
The police added that the incident reportedly happened on November 1, 2026, at about 1300 hours. They said an alleged altercation between the suspect and the victim preceded the fall. Moreover, the command confirmed that the victim sustained serious injuries and received immediate medical attention.
Meanwhile, the incident drew the fury of neighbours. Residents mobilised and attempted to lynch the suspect. Fortunately, police operatives intervened promptly and pulled him from the crowd. “The prompt intervention of the police operatives led to the successful rescue of the suspect, who was subsequently taken into police custody,” the statement said.
The command said Joseph is now undergoing investigation. Detectives will establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and facilitate the necessary legal action. In addition, the police urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the case. They asked residents to exercise restraint and rely on official sources for accurate updates.
The state Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, also weighed in. He assured the public that his officers are investigating the incident thoroughly. Furthermore, he promised that the command will take all necessary steps to establish the facts and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.
Bosso appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. He urged them to allow the police to carry out their duties professionally. He added that the command will communicate further developments in due course.
The attempted lynching highlights a recurring problem in Nigeria. Mob action is unlawful, and it denies suspects their right to a fair trial. Besides, it can destroy evidence that investigators need to establish the truth. Therefore, police commands regularly warn communities to hand suspects over to the authorities.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Anambra State, operatives of the state police command arrested a 24-year-old suspect, Chidubem Anyigo. Police accuse him of stealing an iPhone 16 Pro Max belonging to a Reverend Father in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area.
The arrest comes amid the command’s continued emphasis on intelligence-led policing. In addition, officers are collaborating with community-based security groups to tackle burglary, theft and other crimes in the state.
As for the Owerri case, residents are waiting anxiously for updates on Chiamaka’s condition. Likewise, many want to see the investigation conclude quickly and transparently. For now, the police have urged everyone to stay patient while detectives do their work.
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