Police Arrest Suspect, Detain Officers For Misconduct over viral def!lement allegation
Police Arrest Suspect, Detain Officers For Misconduct over viral defilement allegation
Onyeaju, a native of Umuekweye, Irete, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, was taken into custody following credible information provided by the victim’s family.
The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Wisdom Onyeaju, in connection with an alleged case of defilement that sparked outrage after a video detailing the incident went viral on social media.
Onyeaju, a native of Umuekweye, Irete, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, was taken into custody following credible information provided by the victim’s family.
The family had earlier raised alarm over the alleged assault through a widely circulated video, prompting public scrutiny and pressure on the authorities to act.
The suspect is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where he is undergoing what the police say is a thorough investigation.
The Command disclosed that upon the conclusion of investigations, Onyeaju will be arraigned in court and charged accordingly.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, the Command also confirmed that the case had exposed alleged professional misconduct by some police officers initially involved in handling the matter.
According to the statement, the officers have been identified and detained, with an orderly room trial scheduled to commence on Monday, January 12, 2026, in line with existing police regulations.
The statement read, “The Imo State Police Command has arrested Wisdom Onyeaju, a 24-year-old male of Umuekweye, Irete, Owerri-West Local Government Area, in connection with an alleged case of defilement.
“The arrest followed credible information received by the Command from the family of the victim, who had earlier drawn public attention to the incident through a viral video circulating on social media.
“The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing thorough investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Upon conclusion of investigation, he will be arraigned in court with the appropriate charge(s).”
“Furthermore, the Command has identified and detained the police officers alleged to have been involved in professional misconduct in the course of handling the case,” the statement said.
“An orderly room trial has been scheduled to commence on Monday, 12th January, 2026, to address the misconduct in line with extant police regulations.”
“The Imo State Police Command reiterates its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability, assuring members of the public that justice will be served in this matter,” he added.
