The Imo State Police Command has punished three officers who were caught on video assaulting a middle-aged man along the Owerri-Aba Road.
In a statement on Wednesday night, the police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said the officers were identified after the video went viral on social media.
Okoye confirmed that the officers involved — Inspector Ofem Obongha, Inspector Obinna Okereke, and Sergeant Anayo Ekezie — are all members of the Safer Highway Unit.
After being tried in an orderly room session, Sergeant Ekezie was found guilty of using his smoke gunner to assault the victim. He has now been demoted to the rank of corporal. The two inspectors were severely reprimanded for not properly supervising their colleague during the incident.
“The Imo State Police Command, in response to a viral video showing police officers assaulting a man along the Owerri-Aba Road, has identified the officers involved and initiated disciplinary action,” Okoye said.
He added, “Following a review of the video, the command conducted an orderly room trial in line with Nigeria Police Force disciplinary procedures. Sergeant Anayo Ekezie was found guilty of using his issued smoke gunner in the assault and has been demoted to the rank of corporal. Inspectors Obongha and Okereke were severely reprimanded for failing to exercise proper supervisory control.”
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Aboki Danjuma, strongly condemned the officers’ behaviour.
He described their actions as a clear violation of police rules and human rights.
“Such misconduct is not acceptable. The command has zero tolerance for abuse of power, and any officer found guilty of unprofessional behaviour will be punished,” Danjuma said.
He assured the public that the police will continue to uphold justice and discipline within the force.
