The Imo State Police Command has arrested and detained a police traffic warden alongside two personnel of the State Civil Guard Corps following a viral video showing the physical harassment and alleged extortion of a motorist in Owerri, the state capital.
​The arrest was confirmed in an official press release issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, by the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye.
​The officers involved were identified as Inspector Chinwe Ejiogu (also cited as Chinewe Ejiogu), attached to the Shell Camp Divisional Police Headquarters, and two personnel of the State Civil Guard Corps, Kelechi Nzediagwu and Onyedikachi Chibuike.
​According to the police statement, the altercation occurred on Thursday, October 8, 2026, when the team intercepted a motorist in Owerri for allegedly driving without a valid driver’s licence.
​A video recording of the encounter quickly circulated across social media platforms, showing the officers struggling over the steering wheel with the motorist and aggressively demanding payment.
​Following public outcry, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, directed the Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU) to initiate a full investigation into the matter.
All three suspects were transferred to and are currently held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Owerri pending the outcome of the CRU probe.
The Command urged the affected motorist to present themselves at the CRU headquarters to submit relevant evidence and assist in finalizing the investigation.
CP Bosso reiterated that proper internal disciplinary actions and sanctions will be strictly applied to any officers found culpable at the conclusion of the inquiry.
​”The Command strongly condemns the conduct depicted in the video, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the standards of discipline and integrity expected of law enforcement personnel,” DSP Henry Okoye stated. “No traffic violation justifies extortion, harassment, or abuse of office. All personnel have been warned to discharge their duties strictly in accordance with the law.”
​The Imo State Police Command advised members of the public to continue utilizing established CRU feedback channels to report any acts of officer misconduct across the state.
