From The Nijasun News Desk
The Anambra State Police Command has denied allegations that its officers demanded ₦100,000 in connection with the disappearance of a wristwatch valued at $500, saying the matter remains under investigation.
The Command also clarified the circumstances surrounding the missing wristwatch and allegations of unlawful detention at Abagana Police Division.
This was contained in a statement by the Anambra Commend’s Police Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the complainant reported the disappearance of the wristwatch on October 17, 2026.
According to the statement, the wristwatch was sent from abroad by a relative for delivery to the complainant’s uncle in Nwafia but went missing before reaching the intended recipient.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the complainant’s brother had been entrusted with the wristwatch for onward delivery.
Acting on a description that a tyre was usually parked in front of his uncle’s shop, he reportedly arrived at a vulcanising workshop and mistakenly identified one Igwe Arinze as his uncle’s employee.
Arinze allegedly informed him that his master was away, prompting the brother to hand over the wristwatch for onward delivery, unaware that he had arrived at the wrong premises.
When the intended recipient subsequently denied receiving the item, Arinze was invited to Abagana Police Division for questioning.
During the interview, he reportedly explained that he had received the wristwatch for safekeeping and later handed it to his master, identified as Simon Tochukwu, upon his return.
The police said efforts to reach Simon were initially unsuccessful because he was reportedly away. He eventually returned on October 20 and allegedly admitted receiving the wristwatch from his employee.
However, Simon reportedly claimed that he later returned the item to the employee and instructed him to discard it because he believed it was an old wristwatch.
Further questioning indicated that the wristwatch had allegedly been thrown into a pile of discarded tyres, but subsequent efforts to recover it proved unsuccessful.
The Command explained that the parties were questioned to establish their respective roles in the receipt, transfer and alleged disposal of the missing property.
Following the interviews, the suspect was released and directed to return to the Division on October 23 for further clarification and follow-up investigations into the whereabouts of the wristwatch.
Police Deny ₦100,000 Demand
Addressing the allegation of a ₦100,000 demand, the Command categorically denied that any such amount was requested in connection with the case.
It maintained that the handling of the matter was aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the missing wristwatch.
The Command further stated that its officers were expected to discharge their duties professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law.
It added that any allegation of misconduct brought to its attention would be treated seriously.
The police said the investigation was ongoing and that appropriate lawful steps would be taken upon the conclusion of the necessary investigative processes.
The Command also urged members of the public to report genuine concerns about police conduct through appropriate channels, reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Tags: AnambraPolice #MissingWristwatch #PoliceInvestigation
