Police investigate attack on hospital after ex-footballer raises alarm

The police in Imo State have started looking into a claim by former Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike. He alleged that some political figures invaded his hospital in Owerri and assaulted the staff before arresting others.

Police spokesperson in Imo, Henry Okoye, shared this news in a statement on Thursday.

Emenike co-founded the hospital, Emenike Hospital, in May 2024. The hospital has 40 beds and is run by AGCare, a healthcare management company.

In a post on his Instagram on Wednesday, Emenike said the operatives came to the hospital with officials from the Imo State Waste Management Agency. He claimed the security operatives were from the Oji Police Divisional Headquarters. He said they “assaulted staff and patients, and took away the hospital administrator and cashier.”

The former football star said the incident happened after police operatives invaded the facility on 25 September on the orders of the Division Police Officer in Owerri Urban Division. He shared CCTV footage that showed personnel from the waste management agency and armed police taking staff members away amid the chaos.

Emenike urged police authorities in the state and the Imo State Government to investigate the event and help release the staff members. He said, “Ensure anyone injured receives medical care and that witnesses can report safely.”

He also asked the authorities to “preserve and review available CCTV, incident records and other evidence. Take appropriate action (on the) official or agency for an unlawful act.”

Emenike argued that enforcement actions should not endanger patients, disrupt emergency care, or involve violence against hospital staff. He added, “Public institutions must act within the law, and allegations of abuse must be investigated transparently.”

Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, said the police know about the footage showing when three staff members were “arrested over alleged violations of the state’s waste management laws.”

He said, “In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, has directed a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest and determine the roles played by the officers involved.” He also mentioned that the staff members have been released.

Okoye assured that the state police command is dedicated to professionalism, discipline, accountability, and respect for the law. He said, “Any police officer found to have acted unlawfully or engaged in misconduct will face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures.”

He urged the public to stay calm and promised that the issue will be handled fairly and in line with the law.