By Michael Ovat -Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged creation and circulation of misleading video content and inflammatory claims capable of escalating the communal misunderstanding involving Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities and unnecessarily drawing the peaceful Umueri community into the dispute.
The suspects according to the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka, on Tuesday, identified as Chimezie Peter, aged 17, and Sunday Offordile, were arrested in the early hours of 26th October 2026 following community intervention and were subsequently handed over to the Police.
Ikenga said preliminary information indicates that the suspects were allegedly intercepted while recording a video featuring some indigenes of Umueri returning lawfully from their farms. The video was reportedly accompanied by claims portraying the individuals as armed persons from Aguleri allegedly lying in wait to attack and kill anyone from Umuoba Anam passing through the route.
The circumstances surrounding the recording and circulation of the video, including the authenticity, origin and intended purpose of the accompanying claims, are being investigated. The Command is particularly concerned that misleading information of this nature, if deliberately circulated, could provoke reprisals, heighten communal tensions and undermine ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
“During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly made statements relevant to the allegations. However, the Command emphasises that the investigation remains ongoing and that the full circumstances of the incident must be established before any definitive conclusion is reached.
“The suspects are being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for further investigation and necessary legal action.
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, reiterates the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, preserving public order and preventing the escalation of communal disputes through timely, intelligence-led policing and effective collaboration with community stakeholders.
“The Commissioner strongly cautions members of the public against recording, publishing or circulating unverified content and provocative narratives that could misrepresent events, incite hostility or trigger violence between neighbouring communities. Residents are urged to verify information before sharing it and to report credible security concerns through appropriate channels rather than resorting to speculation or inflammatory publications.
The Command further appeals to the people of Aguleri, Umuoba Anam and Umueri to remain calm, exercise restraint and support ongoing peace initiatives. No individual or group should take the law into their own hands or engage in retaliatory actions based on unverified information.
The Anambra State Police Command will continue to engage traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups and other relevant stakeholders to sustain peace, promote mutual understanding and ensure that anyone found culpable of criminal conduct is dealt with in accordance with the law, the PPRO noted.
