By Elizabeth Godwin
The Imo State Police Command has taken disciplinary action against three officers involved in the assault of a civilian, captured in a viral video along the Owerri-Aba Road, sparking widespread public condemnation.
According to a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, the incident involved Inspector Ofem Obongha, Inspector Obinna Okereke, and Sergeant Anayo Ekezie, all serving in the Safer Highway Unit.
Following a swift internal investigation and an orderly room trial-part of the Nigeria Police Force’s standard disciplinary process-Sergeant Ekezie was found guilty of misconduct, specifically for using a smoke gunner in the assault. He has been demoted to the rank of Corporal.
Inspectors Obongha and Okereke, while not directly involved in the physical assault, were reprimanded for failing to properly supervise and control their subordinate, enabling the misconduct to occur under their watch.
Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, condemned the officers’ actions in strong terms, calling them a clear violation of the Force’s Code of Conduct and established human rights standards. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to a zero-tolerance approach toward unprofessional behavior within the ranks.
“This breach of conduct is unacceptable and undermines the trust we are building with the public. Officers who act outside the law will be held accountable,” CP Danjuma said.
The Command also urged members of the public to report any instance of police misconduct through its dedicated channels, including the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), X-Squad Unit, or via the phone lines 0803 342 4051 and 0814 802 4755.
Reaffirming its dedication to professionalism and citizens’ rights, the Imo State Police Command assured the public that it remains committed to upholding transparency and restoring confidence in law enforcement.
