Imo Police Sanction Officers Over Viral Assault of Civilian

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Owerri, Imo State – The Imo State Police Command has taken swift action against officers involved in the widely circulated video depicting the assault of a man on the Owerri-Aba Road. Following the emergence of the disturbing footage, the Command identified the officers as Inspector Ofem Obongha, Inspector Obinna Okereke, and Sergeant Anayo Ekezie, all attached to the Safer Highway Unit.

In a press statement released today, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed that an orderly room trial was immediately conducted in accordance with the Nigeria Police Force’s disciplinary procedures.

The outcome of the trial saw Sergeant Anayo Ekezie found guilty of using his issued “smoke gunner” in the assault. Consequently, he has been demoted to the rank of Corporal. Inspectors Obongha and Okereke faced severe reprimand for their failure to provide adequate supervisory oversight, which allowed the unprofessional conduct to occur.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, vehemently condemned the actions of the officers, stating that their behavior constituted a clear breach of the Force’s Code of Conduct and fundamental human rights standards. He reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance policy towards police misconduct, assuring the public that any officer found culpable of such acts will face appropriate sanctions.

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CP Danjuma urged members of the public to continue reporting any instances of police misconduct through the Command’s Complaints Response Unit (CRU), X-Squad Unit, or via the provided contact numbers: 08033424051 and 0814 802 4755. The Imo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to upholding transparency, ensuring professionalism, and safeguarding the rights of all citizens within the state.

This decisive action by the Imo State Police Command underscores its commitment to accountability and maintaining public trust in the face of unprofessional conduct by its officers. The demotion and reprimands serve as a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated within the Force.