The Ebonyi State Police Command has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Ogbon-Inu Taiwo Popoola, who slumped and died while on duty. The incident happened on Wednesday morning during a management meeting at the office of the Commissioner of Police in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
The late officer was serving as the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID), a key unit responsible for gathering and analyzing security information to support police operations across the state.
According to police sources, the incident occurred at about 10:30 am while a management meeting was in progress. Senior officers of the command were reportedly seated and discussing official matters when ACP Popoola suddenly showed signs of distress.
Witnesses said the senior officer developed breathing difficulties and began gasping for breath. The situation caused panic in the meeting room as colleagues quickly realized that something was seriously wrong.
In response, the meeting was immediately disrupted, and efforts were made to assist him. Officers present reportedly helped to rush ACP Popoola out of the office for urgent medical attention.
ACP Popoola was taken to the Police Medical Centre located within the Police Headquarters in Abakaliki. Health personnel at the facility attended to him promptly, administering emergency care in an attempt to stabilize his condition.
Despite the quick response and the efforts of medical staff, the senior officer’s condition did not improve. After several attempts to revive him, doctors later confirmed that ACP Popoola had passed away.
The news of his death spread quickly within the command, leaving officers and staff in shock and deep sadness.
Preliminary medical findings indicated that ACP Popoola died from cardiac arrest. Sources familiar with the case explained that the cardiac arrest was linked to hypertensive heart disease.
Hypertensive heart disease is a condition caused by long-term high blood pressure, which can place serious strain on the heart. Medical experts say it can lead to sudden heart failure if not properly managed.
While a full medical report is still expected, the initial findings suggest that the officer’s death was due to natural health complications rather than any external factor.
Following confirmation of his death, the remains of ACP Popoola were taken to the mortuary of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. The body has been deposited there pending further arrangements by his family and the police authorities.
Funeral plans are expected to be announced later after consultations with his relatives and senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Nigeria Police Force described the late ACP as a committed and professional officer who served the country with dedication until his last moments. Colleagues described him as calm, disciplined, and deeply committed to intelligence-led policing.
Senior officers at the Ebonyi State Police Command expressed their shock over the sudden loss, noting that ACP Popoola was actively involved in the day-to-day security management of the state.
Many officers said he showed no visible signs of illness before the incident, making his sudden collapse even more painful for those who knew him.
As the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department, ACP Popoola played a critical role in maintaining security in Ebonyi State. The SID works closely with other units to gather information on criminal activities, prevent attacks, and support investigations.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Command, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident. He expressed sadness over the death of the senior officer and extended condolences to his family.
Ukandu said the command has informed the Force Headquarters and is making necessary arrangements to support the family of the deceased officer.
He also urged officers and members of the public to respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time.
The sudden death of ACP Popoola has again drawn attention to the health challenges faced by security personnel in Nigeria. Police officers often work long hours under stressful conditions, which can affect their physical and mental health.
Some officers at the command expressed hope that the incident would encourage stronger health monitoring and wellness programmes within the police force.
News of the death has also saddened residents of Abakaliki, many of whom see the police as key partners in maintaining peace. Community leaders described ACP Popoola as a dedicated officer who worked quietly behind the scenes to improve security.
ACP Ogbon-Inu Taiwo Popoola is remembered as an officer who died in the line of duty, actively engaged in official work at the time of his passing. His death marks a painful loss to the Ebonyi State Police Command and the Nigeria Police Force as a whole.
As the command mourns, flags are expected to fly at half-mast in his honour, while colleagues reflect on his years of service to the nation.
