A violent police invasion at De Latinos Concept Limited, one of the biggest entertainment and hospitality companies in the Southeast, located in Umuahia, Abia State, on Sunday night, March 9, 2025, left several people injured and properties worth millions destroyed.
The incident, which was reportedly triggered by a disagreement over suya meat, escalated into a full-blown attack on the establishment.
Speaking with ABN TV, the CEO of De Latinos, Mr. Emmanuel Okenini, popularly known as Bello, narrated how the incident unfolded.
He stated that the trouble started around 9:15 PM when a police officer in mufti attempted to enter the De Latinos premises with suya meat.
The company, which has a strict policy against bringing in outside food and drinks, denied him entry.
Despite being repeatedly informed of this rule by the bouncers, the officer insisted on gaining access with the suya meats.
Frustrated by the refusal, the officer allegedly called for reinforcements. Soon after, a group of armed police officers, accompanied by some soldiers, stormed the premises.
In the chaos that followed, one of the bouncers was severely beaten and forcibly taken away in a police vehicle, bleeding heavily.
The situation escalated further around 10 PM when another officer, a female police officer, arrived at the premises with her family, also carrying suya meat.
When she was also denied entry, another wave of police officers arrived, this time in three to four pickup trucks, surrounding the entire De Latinos premises.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying, as police officers fired tear gas into the area, causing panic among customers and staff.
Officers allegedly threatened everyone to leave immediately or face more consequences, forcing people to flee in fear.
Many victims, including asthmatic patients, were severely affected by the excessive use of tear gas, with over 10 people rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia for emergency treatment.
One of the victims, who barely escaped, shared their harrowing experience: “I was a victim, like I almost lost my sight and life. How can you throw tear gas, putting the lives of innocent citizens at risk? Abia State government should call all officers to order. This is the height of it. My whole body was covered [in tear gas], if not for Good Samaritans that rushed to rescue me, what would have been my fate?”
As the biggest entertainment and hospitality brand in the South East, De Latinos Concept suffered huge financial losses from the attack.
According to Mr. Okenini, the police invasion led to customers fleeing in panic, leaving behind unpaid bills for food, drinks, and other services. He estimated the loss to be in the millions of naira.
In addition to financial losses, the police officers allegedly vandalized the company’s property, including expensive sound systems, LED screens, and other valuable equipment.
Mr. Okenini condemned the attack, calling it an unprovoked and unjustified assault on his business and customers.
He stated that he had spoken with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who expressed displeasure over the incident and promised further investigation.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Maureen Chinaka, for comments have been unsuccessful.
Residents and business owners in Umuahia have called for a thorough investigation and justice for the victims, stressing the need to hold the officers involved accountable and prevent future cases of police harassment.
