By Blessing Elo Oghene
The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Ifeanyichukwu Joseph, for allegedly attempting to kill his girlfriend’s 17-year-old niece, Chiamaka Chukwuokorie, in Owerri.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest in a statement, alleging that the suspect pushed the teenager from a two-storey building along Mbonu Ejike Street, Ikenegbu, Owerri.
According to the police, the incident occurred on November 1, 2026, at about 1 p.m., following an alleged altercation between the suspect and the victim.
Okoye said the victim sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was receiving medical attention and remained in critical condition at the time of the statement.
He added that an angry mob gathered after the incident and attempted to lynch the suspect, but police operatives intervened and rescued him.
The suspect was subsequently taken into police custody, while investigations commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the appropriate legal action.
The police spokesperson urged members of the public, particularly social media users, to refrain from circulating unverified information about the incident.
He advised residents to exercise restraint and rely on official sources for accurate updates.
Okoye quoted the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Garba Bosso, as assuring the public that the incident was being thoroughly investigated and that all necessary steps would be taken to establish the facts and ensure justice in accordance with the law.
The commissioner also appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands and allow the police to carry out their duties professionally.
The command said further developments would be communicated to the public as the investigation progressed
