The Abia State Police Command has arrested the site engineer responsible for overseeing the construction of an uncompleted three-storey building that collapsed over the weekend in Umuahia, the state capital.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at a construction site in the Umungasi area, left residents in shock, though no casualties were reported. Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse may have resulted from structural deficiencies, prompting the police to detain the site engineer for questioning.
According to police sources, the engineer is being investigated for possible negligence and failure to adhere to building regulations. The Abia State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has also launched a probe to ascertain the cause of the collapse and ensure compliance with safety standards.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the arrest, stating, “The suspect is in custody, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse. We urge the public to remain calm as we work to ensure justice and prevent future incidents.”
Residents of the area have expressed concerns over the increasing cases of building collapses in the state, calling for stricter oversight of construction projects. Authorities have sealed off the site, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed, pending the conclusion of the investigation.
