Harry Archie
Owerri, Imo State Detectives from the Imo State Police Command have launched a manhunt for High Chief Anudokem Celestine Chinedum following allegations of sexual harassment and same-sex carnal knowledge.
The police are searching for the traditional title holder after he allegedly failed to honour multiple invitations, including one scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
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According to police sources, a petition was filed by Mr. Jude Nwagwu from Ubahazu Amiri in Oru East Local Government Area.
The petitioner, through his lawyer, accused High Chief Chinedum of having carnal knowledge of his 22-year-old son, Emmanuel Nwagwu.
The invitation letter, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Dan Irokazi on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Owerri, directed the chief to report to the command.
A police source confirmed that the D Section of the command has intensified efforts to arrest the suspect after he reportedly went into hiding instead of responding to the invitations.
The case has also reignited long-standing tensions between the high chief and his community.
Local sources say Chinedum has faced repeated backlash over his alleged homosexual lifestyle.
Community members claim he has on several occasions been stripped naked, beaten, and paraded at the village square, with leaders warning him to desist or leave the community.
One community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the alleged acts as a serious desecration of tradition and stated that efforts are underway in the council of chiefs to strip him of his title.
Another chief reportedly described him as an “outcast” whose continued presence could warrant extreme traditional sanctions, including banishment.
Attempts by reporters to reach High Chief Chinedum for his reaction were unsuccessful as his phone rang unanswered and he did not respond to text messages.
The police have urged anyone with useful information on his whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or the Imo State CID in Owerri.
As of press time, no formal charges have been filed, and the allegations remain unproven in court.
