A senior police officer tragically collapsed and died during a high-level meeting at the Ebonyi State Police Command headquarters in Abakaliki on Wednesday morning.
Sudden Collapse During Management Meeting
The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. on December 18, 2025. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ogbon-Inu Taiwo Popoola, who served as the Officer-in-Charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID), was participating in a management meeting at the Commissioner of Police's office when he suddenly developed severe medical distress.
Witnesses reported that the senior security officer began experiencing acute breathing difficulties, gasping for air before he slumped. Colleagues present at the meeting immediately rushed him to the on-site Police Medical Centre for emergency care.
Frantic Efforts and Pronouncement of Death
Medical personnel at the centre initiated urgent resuscitation procedures in an attempt to save ACP Popoola's life. Despite their prompt and frantic efforts, the officer did not respond to treatment and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Preliminary medical reports have indicated that the cause of death was cardiac arrest secondary to hypertensive heart disease. Following the pronouncement, his remains were transferred to the mortuary at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FUTHA 1) in Abakaliki.
Command Mourns a Dedicated Officer
The Ebonyi State Police Command officially confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu. The PPRO described the event as a painful and significant loss not only to the Ebonyi Command but to the entire Nigeria Police Force.
In an official statement, the Command expressed profound sorrow, paying tribute to ACP Popoola as a committed, disciplined, and highly professional officer who served with diligence until his final moments. The Nigeria Police Force has extended its heartfelt condolences to the officer's family, colleagues, and friends.
The sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the police community, with an outpouring of prayers for the repose of his soul. The incident highlights the immense pressure and health challenges often faced by senior security personnel in the line of duty.
