Police demotes three officers over assault in Imo

Elizabeth Oluchi

The Imo Police Command has enacted disciplinary measures against three of its officers, Ofem Obongha, Obinna Okereke, and Anayo Ekezie after a viral video surfaced, depicting them assaulting a civilian on the Owerri-Aba Road.

After the trial, Anayo Ekezie was convicted of employing his assigned smoke gunner during the attack, as a result, he was demoted to the rank of Corporal.

Meanwhile, Inspectors Obongha and Okereke faced serious reprimands for their inadequate supervision, which allowed the misconduct to take place.

The Imo state Police Public Relations Officer, Okoye Henry, disclosed this in a statement, stating that the Commissioner of Police urged the general public to ensure to report any form of incident or complaints on misconduct to the Complaints Response Unit.

The statement read, "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. The officers are Inspector Ofem Obongha, Inspector Obinna Okereke, and Sergeant Anayo Ekezie, all from the Safer Highway Unit.

"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, which allowed the unprofessional conduct to occur.

"The Commissioner of Police CP Aboki Danjuma condemned the officers' actions, describing them as a breach of the Force's Code of Conduct and human rights standards.

"He reiterated the zero-tolerance policy for police misconduct and promised appropriate action for those found guilty.

"To this end, the Command urges the public to report any incidents of police misconduct through the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), X-Squad Unit, or via 08033424051,0814 802 4755.

"The Command is committed to transparency, professionalism protecting citizens' rights."