ANAMBRA POLICE CLARIFY CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING MISSING $500 WRISTWATCH, DENY ALLEGED ₦100,000 DEMAND
The Anambra State Police Command wishes to clarify the circumstances surrounding a complaint involving a missing wristwatch valued at $500 and allegations of unlawful detention and a purported demand for ₦100,000 at Abagana Police Division.
On 17th October 2026, the complainant reported that a wristwatch valued at $500, sent from abroad by a relative for delivery to their uncle in Nwafia, had gone missing.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the wristwatch had been entrusted to the complainant’s brother for onward delivery to the intended recipient. Acting on the description that a tyre was usually parked in front of his uncle’s shop, the brother arrived at a vulcanising workshop, where he met one Igwe Arinze, whom he mistakenly believed to be his uncle’s employee.
Upon inquiry, Arinze reportedly informed him that his master was away. Consequently, the brother handed the wristwatch to him for onward delivery, unaware that he had arrived at the wrong premises.
When the intended recipient subsequently denied receiving the wristwatch, Arinze was invited to the Division for questioning. During the interview, he explained that the wristwatch had been handed over to him for safekeeping and that he later gave it to his master, identified as Simon Tochukwu, upon his return.
Efforts to reach Simon were initially unsuccessful, as he was reportedly away. He eventually returned on 20th October 2026 and admitted receiving the wristwatch from his employee. However, he claimed that he subsequently returned it to the employee and instructed him to discard it, believing it to be an old wristwatch.
Further questioning indicated that the wristwatch had allegedly been thrown into a pile of discarded tyres, where subsequent efforts to locate it proved unsuccessful.
In view of the conflicting accounts and the need to establish the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the property, the parties were questioned to clarify their respective roles. Following the interviews, the suspect was released and directed to return to the Division on 23rd October 2026 for further clarification and follow-up on efforts to establish the whereabouts of the missing wristwatch.
ON THE ALLEGATION OF A ₦100,000 DEMAND
The Command denies the allegation that ₦100,000 was demanded in connection with the case. The handling of the matter was directed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the receipt, transfer and alleged disposal of the missing wristwatch.
The Command reiterates that its officers are expected to discharge their duties professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law. Any allegation of misconduct brought to the attention of the Command will be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
The case remains under investigation, and the Command will take appropriate lawful steps upon the conclusion of the necessary investigative processes.
The Anambra State Police Command assures members of the public of its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of the rights of all persons. Members of the public are encouraged to report any genuine concerns regarding police conduct through the appropriate channels.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Police Command, Awka
22nd October 2026
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