Police Respond to Bribery Claims Over Missing $500 Watch

The Anambra State Police Command said its officers did not demand ₦100,000 regarding a missing wristwatch worth $500. They stated that the case is still being investigated.

The police also shared details of the incident and addressed claims of wrongful detention at the Abagana Police Division.

In a statement released late Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the complainant reported on October 17, 2026, that a wristwatch sent from abroad by a relative to be delivered to the complainant’s uncle in Nwafia went missing.

According to the police, early investigations revealed that the complainant’s brother was supposed to deliver the watch but mistakenly gave it to a man he thought worked for the intended recipient’s uncle.

The statement explained that the brother went to a vulcanising workshop after hearing that a tyre was often parked in front of his uncle’s shop. He met one Igwe Arinze, whom he mistakenly thought was his uncle’s worker.

“Upon inquiry, Arinze reportedly told him that his master was away. As a result, the brother gave the wristwatch to him for delivery, not knowing he was at the wrong place,” the statement said.

The police said they invited Arinze for questioning after the intended recipient said he never received the watch.

During the interview, he said he had kept the watch before giving it to his boss, identified as Simon Tochukwu, when he returned.

Simon was contacted on October 20 and reportedly admitted getting the watch from his employee.

However, he allegedly said he later returned it to the employee and told him to throw it away because he thought it was an old wristwatch.

“Further questioning showed that the wristwatch had allegedly been thrown into a pile of discarded tyres, and later searches to find it were unsuccessful,” the statement added.

The command said they questioned everyone involved due to conflicting stories and the need to find out what happened to the missing watch.

They added that the suspect was released after questioning and told to return to the division on October 23 for more clarification and updates on finding the wristwatch.

In response to the ₦100,000 demand claim, Ikenga said the command rejected any such allegations from officers regarding the case.

“About the ₦100,000 demand, the Command denies that any money was requested in relation to the case. The focus was on understanding how the watch was received, transferred, and allegedly disposed of,” the statement said.

The command insisted its officers must act professionally, fairly, and within the law. They added that they would take any claims of misconduct seriously.

“The case is still under investigation. The Command will take proper legal steps once the necessary investigations are complete,” Ikenga added.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to being accountable and protecting citizens’ rights. They urged the public to report any issues about police behavior through the right channels.