The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Ifeanyi Joseph, for allegedly pushing a 17-year-old girl, Chiamaka Chukwuokore, from a two-storey building in Owerri, the state capital.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, November 1, 2026, along Mbonu Ejike Street, Ikeneagbu, Owerri.

The command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest on Monday, following the suspect’s rescue from an angry mob by police operatives.

Okoye said the victim was the younger sister of the suspect’s girlfriend.

According to him, Joseph and the teenager had an altercation during which the suspect allegedly pushed her from the building, leaving her with serious injuries.

He added that Chiamaka was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where she is receiving medical attention and remains in critical condition.

The incident reportedly angered residents, who mobilised and attempted to lynch the suspect. However, the prompt intervention of the police prevented the mob from carrying out the attack.

In a statement, the police spokesperson said: “The Imo State Police Command has arrested one Ifeanyi Chukwu Joseph, aged 26, following allegations that he pushed a 17-year-old girl, Chiamaka Chukwuokore, said to be the niece of his girlfriend, from a two-storey building along Mbonu Ejike Street, Ikeneagbu in Owerri.

“The incident reportedly occurred on November 1, 2026, at about 1300 hours, following an alleged altercation between the suspect and the victim. The victim sustained serious injuries and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where she is currently receiving medical attention and remains in critical condition.

“Following the incident, an angry mob mobilised and attempted to lynch the suspect. However, the prompt intervention of police operatives led to the successful rescue of the suspect, who was subsequently taken into police custody.

“The suspect is currently undergoing investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and facilitate necessary legal action.”

The command also urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information about the incident, advising residents to rely on official sources for accurate updates.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Bosso, assured the public that the incident was being thoroughly investigated and that all necessary steps would be taken to establish the facts and ensure justice in accordance with the law.

Bosso appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands and allow the police to carry out their duties professionally.

He added that further developments would be communicated to the public in due course.

In a related development, The PUNCH earlier reported that operatives of the Anambra State Police Command had arrested a 24-year-old man, Chidubem Anyigo, for allegedly stealing an iPhone 16 Pro Max belonging to a Reverend Father in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest comes amid the command’s continued efforts to strengthen intelligence-led policing and collaboration with community-based security groups to tackle burglary, theft and other crimes in the state.