From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Former Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike has cried out over the alleged invasion of his hospital in Owerri, Imo State by policemen and officials of the state waste management agency.
Emenike, who won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria, said the incident which occurred on 21 October 2026 has left patients and staff of the hospital traumatised.
The ex-international, who built the hospital after his football career in Europe, lamented that a facility established to offer care and hope to the people should not be turned into a place of fear.
In a post on his social media handle, Emenike alleged that individuals identified as officials of the Imo State Waste Management Agency invaded the hospital premises, assaulted staff and patients, and whisked away the hospital administrator and cashier.
He further alleged that armed police officers from Oji Police Station took part in the operation, which he said came weeks after a similar entry by officers of the Nigeria Police Force on the orders of the Divisional Police Officer, Owerri Urban Division, on 25 September 2026.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command has reacted to the incident.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, the Command said it was aware of the CCTV footage trending on social media showing officials of the waste management agency and police officers at Emenike Hospital, where three staff members were arrested over alleged violations of the state’s waste management laws.
He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, has ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest to determine the roles played by the officers involved.
The Command confirmed that the three arrested staff members have since been released.
“The Command reiterates its commitment to professionalism, discipline, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. Any police officer found to have acted unlawfully or engaged in misconduct will face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures,” the statement said.
The Command urged members of the public to remain calm, assuring that the matter would be handled fairly and in accordance with the law.