The Anambra State Police Command has denied allegations that its officers demanded ₦100,000 in connection with a missing wristwatch valued at $500, explaining that the case remains under investigation.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Thursday, October 22, that the complaint was reported on October 17, 2026, after a wristwatch sent from abroad by a relative for delivery to an uncle in Nwafia went missing.
Ikenga explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the complainant’s brother, who was entrusted with delivering the wristwatch, mistakenly handed it to a man identified as Igwe Arinze at a vulcanising workshop, believing him to be an employee of the intended recipient.
According to the police, Arinze reportedly told the complainant’s brother that his master was away, prompting him to hand over the wristwatch for onward delivery without realising that he had arrived at the wrong premises.
Trouble started when the intended recipient denied receiving the item, leading to Arinze’s invitation to the Abagana Police Division for questioning.
During interrogation, Arinze reportedly explained that the wristwatch had been given to him for safekeeping and that he later handed it over to his master, identified as Simon Tochukwu, upon his return.
Ikenga said Simon, who was initially unavailable, returned on October 20 and admitted receiving the wristwatch from his employee. However, he allegedly claimed that he later returned it to the employee and instructed him to discard it because he believed it was an old wristwatch.
The police spokesman added that further questioning indicated that the wristwatch had allegedly been thrown into a pile of discarded tyres, but subsequent efforts to recover it proved unsuccessful.
He explained that the parties were questioned to establish their respective roles in the disappearance of the property, adding that the suspect was subsequently released and directed to return to the division on October 23 for further clarification and follow-up investigations.
Denying the alleged ₦100,000 demand, Ikenga said the command rejected claims that money was demanded in connection with the case.
He maintained that the police handling of the matter was aimed 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,” the statement said.
Ikenga added that any allegation of police misconduct brought to the command’s attention would be treated seriously.
He said the investigation was ongoing and that appropriate lawful steps would be taken upon the conclusion of the necessary investigative processes.
The command assured members of the public of its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights, urging anyone with genuine concerns about police conduct to report through the appropriate channels.
