The Imo State Police Command has identified six police officers captured in a viral video allegedly assaulting a young man in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of the state and has commenced disciplinary procedures against them.
The incident, which occurred at Nduhobokwe, Uzoagba community, on Monday, gained public attention after a video of the assault circulated on social media.
In the video, six police officers were involved in the assault of the victim.
While five officers were seen repeatedly beating the victim with what appeared to be long sticks, another officer held him down as the assault continued.
Reacting to the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed that all the officers involved in the incident were under investigation.
The police explained that a preliminary review led to the identification of the officers involved as Inspector Ugochukwu Ibe, Inspector Nwachi Chimezie, Sergeant Ugoezuhu Austin, Corporal Michael Obi, Corporal Ebuka Onwuegbu and Corporal Amos Sunny.
The statement added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“Following a prompt review of the incident, the six officers involved have been identified as operatives of the command.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Audu Garba Bosso, has directed a thorough investigation into the incident to establish the full circumstances surrounding the misconduct of the officers involved.
“The officers have been taken into custody, and disciplinary procedures have been initiated in line with the extant regulations of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement read.
The command reiterated its commitment to professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights, stressing that the conduct of the officers did not reflect the standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The actions of the officers, as seen in the video, are inconsistent with the values, ethics and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force,” it added.
The police assured residents that the investigation would be conducted transparently and in accordance with established procedures.
The command further stated that the outcome of the investigation and disciplinary process would be made public upon conclusion.
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