The Anambra State Police Command announced on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 that it had taken into custody two individuals suspected of creating and circulating a deceptive video that could aggravate the long‑standing dispute between the Aguleri and Umuoba Anam communities and inadvertently involve the peaceful Umueri community.
Who were arrested and when?
The suspects identified are Chimezie Peter, aged 17, and Sunday Offordile. Both were apprehended in the early hours of Monday, 26 October, after community members reported the incident. They have since been handed over to police authorities for processing.
What does the video depict?
Preliminary information suggests the duo were caught filming a clip that showed residents of Umueri returning from their farms. The footage was allegedly paired with false claims that armed men from Aguleri were lying in wait to attack anyone from Umuoba Anam traveling along the same route.
Why is the content considered dangerous?
The police command warned that deliberately spreading such misinformation could spark retaliatory attacks, heighten communal tensions, and undermine ongoing peace‑building initiatives in the region. "Misleading information of this nature, if deliberately circulated, could provoke reprisals, heighten communal tensions and undermine ongoing peacebuilding efforts," the statement read.
What steps are being taken by authorities?
The suspects are being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for further investigation and possible legal action. The command emphasized that the inquiry is still active and that a full factual picture must be established before any final conclusions are drawn.
What did the Commissioner of Police say?
Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, reiterated the force’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property, preserving public order, and preventing the escalation of communal disputes through intelligence‑led policing and collaboration with community stakeholders. He cautioned the public against recording, publishing, or sharing unverified content that could misrepresent events or incite hostility.
How are residents advised to respond?
Community members are urged to verify information before sharing it and to report credible security concerns through proper channels rather than resorting to speculation or inflammatory publications.
What is the broader appeal to the affected communities?
The police command appealed to the people of Aguleri, Umuoba Anam and Umueri to remain calm, exercise restraint, and support ongoing peace initiatives. No individual or group should take the law into their own hands or engage in retaliatory actions based on unverified information.
The Anambra State Police Command affirmed that it will continue to engage traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups and other relevant stakeholders to sustain peace, promote mutual understanding, and ensure that anyone found culpable of criminal conduct is dealt with in accordance with the law.