The Imo State Police Command has arrested five men for allegedly assaulting a woman, Mrs. Ndidiamaka Agu, because she cooperated with the police in an ongoing investigation. The case has sparked public outrage and raised fresh concerns about the safety of citizens who help security agencies fight crime.
The police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, made the announcement on Tuesday in a statement issued in Owerri. According to him, the arrests were made on the orders of the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, who directed operatives to act immediately after a disturbing video of the assault went viral.
The attack took place in Emekuku, a community in Owerri North Local Government Area. A video circulating on social media showed Mrs. Agu being manhandled by a group of men. In the video, the suspects were seen hitting and dragging her while accusing her of “reporting them to the police.” The footage sparked widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians calling for swift justice.
Mrs. Agu was said to be assisting the police in an investigation concerning criminal activities in her neighbourhood. The suspects allegedly targeted her as punishment for cooperating with authorities, a move the police described as both unlawful and dangerous.
DSP Okoye explained that once the Commissioner of Police saw the video, he instructed the X-Squad Unit — a special team responsible for tackling misconduct and serious offences — to track down the suspects without delay.
Acting on the commissioner’s orders, the X-Squad operatives launched a coordinated operation in the Emekuku area, which led to the arrest of five suspects. They were identified as:
Onyekachi Njoku
Chiazor Osuji
Chukwuma Iwuala
Eugene Njoku
Emmanuel Njoku
According to the police, the arrested suspects have already made confessional statements admitting to participating in the assault on Mrs. Agu. Investigators are also reviewing the viral video and gathering additional evidence to strengthen the case before prosecution.
DSP Okoye added that a sixth suspect, Onyedikachi Njoku, managed to escape before operatives arrived. He is now wanted by the police, and efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend him.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police strongly condemned the assault, describing it as an unacceptable act of intimidation aimed at discouraging citizens from supporting law enforcement. He said the police rely heavily on information from the public to detect and prevent crime, and attacks on witnesses will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
“The Commissioner of Police condemns the assault in its entirety and reaffirms that intimidation of citizens who lawfully cooperate with the police will not be tolerated,” DSP Okoye stated. He added that the suspects will be arraigned in court soon on charges appropriate to their offences.
The police assured the public that Mrs. Agu is receiving necessary support and that her security will be prioritised throughout the investigation and trial.
Incidents like this raise important questions about the safety of ordinary citizens who provide information to security agencies. Many Nigerians often hesitate to report crime because they fear retaliation from suspects or community members. The attack on Mrs. Agu reflects this challenge and shows why witness protection is crucial in Nigeria’s justice system.
The Imo Police Command has now emphasized that anyone who intimidates or harms a witness will face serious consequences. The commissioner’s swift action in this case appears to be part of efforts to rebuild public trust and encourage more people to speak up against crime.
The attack on Mrs. Agu is one of several recent incidents that highlight rising tensions in some rural and urban communities in Imo State. Reports of intimidation, local disputes, and vigilante-style attacks have increased in recent months, causing worry among residents.
Community leaders have repeatedly urged people to avoid taking the law into their own hands. They say disputes should be reported to the police instead of resorting to violence. The arrest of the suspects in this case is expected to send a strong message that mob actions and targeted assaults will not be tolerated.
The five arrested suspects will be charged in court soon, according to the police. Their offences may include assault, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice. The court is expected to determine the next steps once the charges are formally filed.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command has intensified its hunt for the remaining suspect, Onyedikachi Njoku. The police have urged the public to provide information that could help locate him.
As the case progresses, many Nigerians are watching to see how authorities will handle the prosecution. For some, this case represents a crucial test of law enforcement’s ability to protect whistleblowers and punish those who attempt to silence them.
