Police in Nigeria’s Imo State have detained 26-year-old Ifeanyi Chukwu Joseph after he was accused of trying to kill his girlfriend’s 17-year-old sister, Chiamaka Chukwuokore, in Owerri. Investigators allege that Joseph pushed the teenager from a two-storey building on Mbonu Ejike Street in the Ikeneagbu area of the state capital.
The Imo State Police Command said in a statement issued on Monday, November 2, by spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye that the alleged incident occurred at about 1pm on November 1 after a dispute involving Joseph and the teenager.
Chiamaka sustained serious injuries in the fall and was rushed to a hospital nearby, where she was reported to be in critical condition.
Residents gathered at the location after the incident and allegedly tried to attack Joseph. Police officers intervened before the crowd could lynch him and removed him from the scene.
“The timely action of the police operatives resulted in the rescue of the suspect, who was thereafter placed in police custody,” the statement said.
Authorities said inquiries were continuing to establish what triggered the confrontation and to determine the legal steps to be taken against the suspect.
Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso said the command would carry out a full investigation and ensure that justice is delivered.
He also warned the public, especially social-media users, not to share unconfirmed reports concerning the case.
“The CP further urges members of the public to stay calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands, and permit the police to perform their responsibilities professionally,” the statement said.
