The Imo State Police Command has announced the demotion of a Sergeant, Anayo Ekezie to the rank of Corporal following his involvement in assaulting a man in a viral video.
Similarly, two Police Inspectors, Ofem Obongha, and Obinna Okereke have also been reprimanded for failing to exercise proper supervisory control that permitted the unprofessional conduct of Ekezie.
Spokesperson for Imo Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye made the disclosure in Owerri, the state capital where he said the trio were fished out following the viral video where the personnel were seen assaulting a male traveller along the Owerri–Aba Road in Imo state.
The three Policemen attached to the Safer Highway unit of the Command were seen in the now viral video beating a man along the highway, an action that warranted an orderly room trial against them.
Okoye said Sgt. Anayo Ekezie was found guilty of using a smoke gunner on the hapless traveller, and therefore demoted in rank to a Corporal.
“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”, Okoye said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police for Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has condemned the action of the policemen, describing their action as a breach of the Force’s code of conduct and human rights standards.
CP Danjuma reiterated police’s zero tolerance policy for misconduct and punishment for erring officers.
Further, he called on the public to always report all incidents of Police misconduct through the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), X-Squad unit, or via 08033424051, 0814 802 4755, saying the Command is committed to transparency, professionalism, and protecting citizens’ rights.
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