Police detain six officers over alleged assault in Imo

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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.

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The incident, which occurred at Nduhobokwe, Uzoagba community, on Monday, gained public attention after a video of the assault circulated on social media.

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In the video, six police officers were involved in the assault of the victim.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The statement added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

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“Following a prompt review of the incident, the six officers involved have been identified as operatives of the command.

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“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.

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“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.

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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.

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“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.

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The police assured residents that the investigation would be conducted transparently and in accordance with established procedures.

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The command further stated that the outcome of the investigation and disciplinary process would be made public upon conclusion.

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