IMO POLICE DETAIN TWO VIGILANTES OVER VIRAL OKIGWE ASSAULT VIDEO

The Imo State Police Command has arrested two personnel of the Imo State Vigilante Organisation over an alleged assault involving a young woman and her brother in Okigwe. The incident attracted public attention after a video showing the alleged assault was circulated widely on social media. The victims were reportedly travelling to Abia State University when the incident occurred.

The suspects were identified by the police as Ejiogu Nchekwube and Caleb Onyebuchi. The command clarified that the armed men seen in the viral footage were not members of the Nigeria Police Force, as had reportedly been suggested in some accounts, but personnel of the Imo State Vigilante Organisation. Following the circulation of the video, the two suspects were taken into custody and are currently being held at the Okigwe Divisional Police Headquarters.

The police said investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the extent of the suspects' involvement. Authorities have not disclosed the full details of what led to the confrontation or provided a final account of the allegations against the two vigilantes. The ongoing investigation is expected to establish what happened before, during and after the incident captured in the video.

Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Garba Bosso, reaffirmed the command's commitment to professionalism, accountability and respect for the rights of residents. He stated that anyone found culpable after the investigation would face appropriate action in accordance with the law. The command's position comes amid renewed concerns over the conduct of security and vigilante personnel operating in communities across the state.

The Imo Police Command also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information about the incident while the investigation continues. Residents were encouraged to rely on official channels for confirmed updates, with the police assuring the public that further information would be released as investigators establish the facts surrounding the viral assault video.