Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
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, leaving her critically injured.
The incident occurred on Sunday, November 1, at about 1pm along Mbonu Ejike Street, Ikeneagbu, in the state capital, following an alleged confrontation between the suspect and the teenager.
The victim, identified as the younger sister or niece of the suspect’s girlfriend, sustained serious injuries after falling from the building and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she is receiving treatment.
The police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest on Monday, saying the suspect was rescued from an angry mob that attempted to lynch him following the incident.
In a statement, Okoye said, “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 incident reportedly occurred on November 1, 2026, at about 1300 hours, following an alleged altercation between the suspect and the victim. The victim sustained serious injuries and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where she is currently receiving medical attention and remains in critical condition.
“Following the incident, an angry mob mobilised and attempted to lynch the suspect. However, the prompt intervention of the police operatives led to the successful rescue of the suspect, who was subsequently taken into police custody.
“The suspect is currently undergoing investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and facilitate necessary legal action.”
The command urged residents to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands and refrain from circulating unverified accounts of the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, assured the public that the circumstances surrounding the incident were being thoroughly investigated and that appropriate legal action would follow.
He also urged residents to rely on official sources for updates, adding that further information would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
