Police Arrest Man After Teenage Girl Falls From Two-Storey Building in Owerri

The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Ifeanyi Chukwu Joseph, after a 17-year-old girl allegedly fell from a two-storey building in Owerri. The incident occurred at about 1pm on Sunday, November 1, along Mbonu Ejike Street in the Ikeneagbu area of the state capital.

The victim, identified as Chiamaka Chukwuokore, was reportedly the younger sister or niece of the suspect’s girlfriend, according to reports from local media.

Police said the incident followed an alleged altercation between Joseph and Chiamaka. Unverified accounts circulating online claimed that the suspect had made unwanted sexual advances towards the girl before the confrontation.

The police have not publicly confirmed the allegation concerning sexual advances, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated. Chiamaka sustained serious injuries after the fall and was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was initially reported to be in critical condition.

Following the incident, angry residents reportedly gathered at the scene and attempted to attack the suspect. Police operatives intervened and rescued him from the mob before taking him into custody.

The state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said Joseph was being questioned to establish what happened and determine the appropriate legal action. “The suspect is currently undergoing investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and facilitate necessary legal action,” Okoye said.

The Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, assured the public that the command would conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible faced the law. Later reports said Chiamaka died from her injuries, although investigations were continuing.

The police appealed for calm and urged residents not to take the law into their own hands, while also cautioning social media users against sharing unverified claims about the case.