The Anambra State Police Command has denied allegations that its officers demanded a ₦100,000 bribe while investigating the disappearance of a wristwatch valued at $500.
The command said the case, reported on October 17, 2026, remains under investigation, adding that its officers were working to establish how the wristwatch was received, transferred and allegedly discarded.
According to the police, the wristwatch was sent from abroad by a relative for delivery to the complainant’s uncle in Nwafia. However, the complainant’s brother reportedly handed it to a man he mistakenly believed was employed by the intended recipient’s uncle.
During questioning, the man, identified as Igwe Arinze, reportedly said he kept the wristwatch before handing it over to his employer, Simon Tochukwu.
Simon allegedly admitted receiving the item but claimed he later returned it to his employee and instructed him to discard it because he believed it was an old wristwatch.
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The police said further inquiries indicated that the wristwatch might have been thrown into a pile of discarded tyres, where subsequent efforts to recover it proved unsuccessful.
The command explained that the individuals involved were questioned because of conflicting accounts surrounding the missing item. The suspect was subsequently released and directed to return to the Abagana Police Division on October 23 for further clarification.
Addressing the alleged ₦100,000 bribe demand, the police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, categorically denied that officers requested the money in connection with the investigation.
The command reiterated that its officers are expected to conduct their duties professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law, stressing that allegations of misconduct would be taken seriously.
It added that appropriate lawful steps would be taken when the investigation is concluded and urged members of the public to report concerns about police conduct through the appropriate channels.
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