Abia Police Command breaks silence on controversial Akwete incident after being accused of misconduct

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 childs burial without notifying the police. Acting on intelligence, officers reportedly arrived at the scene, requested access to the childs 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. The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa, reiterated the commands commitment to professionalism, discipline and lawful policing.According to the statement, the police would continue to uphold its constitutional responsibilities, including the protection of lives and property, prevention and detection of crime, and maintenance of law and order, without bias.The commissioner also urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement authorities rather than shielding suspects or engaging in violence that could amount to aiding criminal activity. He warned that attacks on officers carrying out lawful duties will not be tolerated and disclosed that efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the attempted attack on police personnel and facilities.The statement reads in full:"*Abia Police Command Responds to Viral Video and Clarifies Incident in Akwete*1. The Abia State Police Command is aware of a viral video circulating on social media depicting misconduct and misuse of firearms by officers of Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters. The Command categorically states that the claims are false and do not reflect the true circumstances surrounding the incident.2. Acting on actionable intelligence, operatives of the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended one Mr. Chidi Stanley of Obiohuru, Akwete, on 11/05/2026. The suspect, during a domestic altercation with his sister, Mrs. Chinyere Stanley, allegedly threw a stone at her, which tragically struck his 8-year-old daughter, Miss Chiamaka Stanley. The child was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.3. The family concealed the incident, failed to report it to the police, and proceeded to secretly prepare for the burial of the deceased. Acting on intelligence, police operatives arrived the scene, questioned the situation, and requested access to the childs body while inviting the family to the station. However, the family, supported by some youths of the community, resisted police intervention and denied access, creating a tense and potentially violent situation. The officers documented the scene, including the already-dug grave, and withdrew to prevent escalation.4. Subsequently, the Division issued an official invitation to the family and engaged community leaders, which led to compliance. Following preliminary investigations, the case, along with the suspect, was transferred the same day to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where investigation is currently ongoing.5. Following these developments, some youths in the community became agitated and attempted to attack officers and the police station. Despite repeated appeals for calm and explanations that the case had been transferred to SCID, the mob remained violent. Officers were compelled to defend themselves, protect police property, and prevent further breakdown of law and order. Community leaders intervened and publicly condemned the actions of the youths.6. The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, reiterates the Commands commitment to the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, emphasizing professionalism, civility, and discipline among officers. He assures that the Command will continue to uphold its constitutional responsibilities, including the protection of lives and property, prevention and detection of crime, and maintenance of law and order, without bias.7. The CP further urges residents of Abia State to cooperate with the police in crime prevention and detection, rather than shielding suspects or engaging in violent acts that could amount to aiding and abetting crime under the law. He warns that attacks on police officers performing their lawful duties will not be tolerated, and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved in the attempted attack on officers and police facilities.8. The public is advised to disregard misinformation and avoid spreading unverified reports. Abians are advised to support the police by providing timely and credible information to aid effective and efficient policing.*Together, we keep Abia safe.*Signed:DSP Maureen Chioma ChinakaLL.B, anipr, MNISMAFor: Commissioner of PoliceAbia State Command16th May 2026" Here's a video from the scene:     View this post on Instagram           A post shared by Lindaikejiblog (@lindaikejiblogofficial)  The post Abia Police Command breaks silence on controversial Akwete incident after being accused of misconduct appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.