Abia man arrested for murder of his 8-year-old daughter

Monday, May 18, 2026 - The Abia State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Chidi Stanley, over the d3ath of his 8-year-old daughter in Obiohuru, Akwete.

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, May 16, 2026 dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media video accusing officers from the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters of misconduct and reckless use of firearms.

According to the PPRO, the incident followed the arrest of the suspect on May 11.

She said the suspect threw a stone at his sister during a domestic altercation. 

The stone tragically struck his daughter who was later confirmed d3ad at a hospital by a medical doctor.

Chinaka said the family concealed the incident and and proceeded to secretly prepare for the burial of the deceased.

Police operatives, who were acting on intelligence, arrived the scene and demanded access to the child’s lifeless body. 

However, the family, supported by some youths of the community, resisted police intervention and denied access, creating a tense and potentially. 

"The Abia State Police Command is aware of a viral video circulating on social media depicting misconduct and misuse of firearms by officers of Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters. The Command categorically states that the claims are false and do not reflect the true circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement read.

"Acting on actionable intelligence, operatives of the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended one Mr. Chidi Stanley of Obiohuru, Akwete, on 11/05/2026.

"The suspect, during a domestic altercation with his sister, Mrs. Chinyere Stanley, allegedly threw a stone at her, which tragically struck his 8-year-old daughter, Miss Chiamaka Stanley. 

"The child was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was confirmed d3ad by a medical doctor.

"The family concealed the incident, failed to report it to the police, and proceeded to secretly prepare for the burial of the deceased. 

"Acting on intelligence, police operatives arrived the scene, questioned the situation, and requested access to the child’s body while inviting the family to the station.

"However, the family, supported by some youths of the community, resisted police intervention and denied access, creating a tense and potentially violent situation.

"The officers documented the scene, including the already-dug grave, and withdrew to prevent escalation.

"Subsequently, the Division issued an official invitation to the family and engaged community leaders, which led to compliance. 

"Following preliminary investigations, the case, along with the suspect, was transferred the same day to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where investigation is currently ongoing.

"Following these developments, some youths in the community became agitated and attempted to attack officers and the police station. 

"Despite repeated appeals for calm and explanations that the case had been transferred to SCID, the mob remained violent. 

"Officers were compelled to defend themselves, protect police property, and prevent further breakdown of law and order. Community leaders intervened and publicly condemned the actions of the youths.

"The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, reiterates the Command’s commitment to the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, emphasizing professionalism, civility, and discipline among officers. 

"He assures that the Command will continue to uphold its constitutional responsibilities, including the protection of lives and property, prevention and detection of crime, and maintenance of law and order, without bias.

"The CP further urges residents of Abia State to cooperate with the police in crime prevention and detection, rather than shielding suspects or engaging in violent acts that could amount to aiding and abetting crime under the law. 

"He warns that attacks on police officers performing their lawful duties will not be tolerated, and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved in the attempted attack on officers and police facilities.

“The public is advised to disregard misinformation and avoid spreading unverified reports. Abians are advised to support the police by providing timely and credible information to aid effective and efficient policing. Together, we keep Abia safe.”