The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Edebor, has ordered the arrest of police officers seen in a viral video assaulting a tricycle rider in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The incident, which sparked outrage on social media, showed the tricycle rider standing beside his vehicle and explaining that policemen had been chasing him.
In the footage, the rider said he had told the officers he was unwell and on his way to seek medical treatment.
The video later showed the officers arriving at the scene and confronting a resident who was recording the incident, ordering the person to stop filming and insisting there was no right to record them.
The situation escalated when the officers turned on the tricycle rider, who was heard pleading with them and saying he would “bring the money.”
One of the officers threatened to punch him and pushed him to the ground. The video also captured the officers dragging the rider into a nearby bush, where he was beaten, kicked with boots and struck with a tyre.
After the officers left, the injured rider was seen narrating the incident to residents, repeating that he was sick and had no money. A voice in the background suggested the assault might have been linked to issues with his driver’s licence. The rider also alleged that some items, including tyres, were taken from his tricycle.
Reacting to the incident, the Bayelsa State Police Command described the officers’ actions as unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, the command said, “The attention of the Bayelsa State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video making the rounds on social media platforms, allegedly showing police officers assaulting a tricycle driver.”
The statement said the Commissioner of Police condemned the act.
“The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, has condemned the act in strong terms, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to professional policing standards,” the statement read.
It added that the command does not tolerate human rights violations or brutality.
“He reiterates that the Command does not tolerate any form of human rights violation, unprofessional conduct or brutality,” the police said.
The command confirmed that immediate action had been taken against the officers involved.
“The officers involved have been arrested and disciplinary proceedings has since commenced in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act and other extant regulations,” the statement said.
Edebor also assured residents of the police commitment to protecting citizens.
“CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor reiterates the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of the rights and safety of all citizens while ensuring lawful and professional policing across Bayelsa State,” the statement added.
The police urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support efforts to maintain peace and order in the state.
