Viral Horror: Imo Police Detain Four Officers After Young Man Was Forced Into Car Boot
By Passman Akpos
The Imo State Police Command has detained four security personnel, including two police officers and two Supernumerary (Spy) Police operatives, following widespread public outrage over a viral video showing a young man being forced into the boot of a vehicle during an arrest in Nekede, Owerri.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, August 2, 2026, along Human Race Road, Nekede, generated intense reactions on social media after the footage raised fears of kidnapping before it was confirmed that those involved were police personnel.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, immediately ordered an investigation after the video surfaced online.
Preliminary findings revealed that the four personnel involved comprised two police officers attached to the Nekede Divisional Headquarters and two Supernumerary Police Officers. The team was reportedly conducting an operation at a suspected drug trafficking location where two suspects were arrested, while substances believed to be Cannabis Sativa were allegedly recovered from one suspect who reportedly confessed to selling illicit drugs.
Despite the alleged recovery, the police condemned the conduct of the officers, describing the manner in which one of the suspects was dragged and forced into the boot of a vehicle as “unacceptable, inhumane, and completely not in conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures, Code of Conduct, and professional ethics of the Nigeria Police Force.”
The Commissioner of Police subsequently ordered the immediate detention of the four personnel and directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation. Disciplinary proceedings have also commenced against the officers, with the command promising to make the outcome public upon conclusion of the probe.
Human rights advocate Harrison Gwamnishu, who drew public attention to the incident, confirmed that the men seen in the viral footage were police personnel and not kidnappers, as initially feared.
Providing further details, Gwamnishu identified the victim as Princewill Chimaobi, alleging that the young man was arrested while attempting to charge his mobile phone.
According to Gwamnishu, Chimaobi said he questioned the officers about the reason for his arrest and resisted because he believed he had committed no offence. He alleged that the officers subsequently dragged him and forced him into the boot of a tinted Honda Accord.
Gwamnishu further stated that while speaking with Chimaobi in police custody, officers reportedly acknowledged that nothing incriminating was found on him.
Following public pressure, Chimaobi was later released unconditionally by the Imo State Police Command.
Gwamnishu welcomed the detention of the four personnel but maintained that Chimaobi suffered emotional trauma and deserves justice, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable under the law.
The Imo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to fighting crime while ensuring that officers operate professionally, lawfully, and with full respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens. The Command urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue into the incident.
