December 20, (THEWILL) – Operatives of the Imo State Police Command, say It is surprising and disheartening to have read in the news on social media that “unknown gunmen strike again, set Imo Magistrate Court ablaze.”
The command said the story is unfounded and a misrepresentation of the true picture of what happened on December 18, 2022, at about 1420hrs.
“The Command believed that such unverified reportage could create fear and panic in the minds of the good people of the State and Nigerians at large, and advised journalists to always ensure they verify their stories before publishing.”
In a statement signed by the Imo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, CSP Michael Abattam, it maintained nobody “threw explosives devices at the Court” on 18/12/2022 as claimed, saying that it is suspected to be an electrical fault that caused the fire incident in the Exhibit Room of the Court and was put under control due to the timely intervention of the Police and personnel of the Federal Fire Service in the State.
According to him, calm has since been restored, adding that the Court registrar informed of the incident, an investigation is ongoing and the premises are fortified with enough security personnel.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde psc(+), while commending Imolites for their unalloyed support to the Command, urged them to go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation or attack.
He then advised them to disregard fake news and assured them of the Command’s continuous commitment to ensuring a crime-free yuletide season in the State.