Police in Imo State have taken a 26-year-old man, Ifeanyi Chukwu Joseph, into custody over allegations that he attempted to kill his girlfriend’s 17-year-old sister in Owerri.
Joseph was alleged to have thrown the teenager, identified as Chiamaka Chukwuokore, from a two-storey building situated on Mbonu Ejike Street, Ikeneagbu, in the state capital.
The Imo State Police Command disclosed the incident in a statement released on Monday, November 2, through its spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye.
According to the police, the incident happened at approximately 1pm on November 1, following an alleged altercation between the suspect and the teenager.
Chiamaka reportedly suffered severe injuries from the fall and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
Following the incident, an angry crowd reportedly converged on the scene and attempted to lynch Joseph.
However, police officers intervened and prevented the mob from carrying out the attack.
“The prompt intervention of the police operatives led to the successful rescue of the suspect, who was subsequently taken into police custody,” the statement said.
The police said investigations were ongoing to uncover the circumstances that led to the incident and determine the appropriate legal action against the suspect.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Audu Garba Bosso, assured the public that the command would conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure that justice was served.
He further cautioned residents, particularly social media users, against circulating unverified accounts of the incident.
“The CP also appeals to members of the public to remain calm, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and allow the police to carry out their duties professionally,” the statement added.