Trigger-happy Policeman Detained After Injuring 7-Year – Old At Checkpoint

As medics battle to save the life of a seven-year-old fatally shot by a “bribe-taking” officer at a checkpoint in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the commissioner of police (CP), Baba Mohammed Azare, has confirmed the officer’s arrest.

The incident, according to witnesses, occurred at a security blockade on Abak Road last Friday when a car carrying the victim’s family was flagged down for a stop-and-search routine, but a brawl ensued, allegedly over a bribe demand.

“There was an intense argument and disagreement that escalated into an unwarranted pulling of the trigger against the defenceless civilians by the officer which sadly injured the child,” a bystander recalled.
However, CP Azare has vowed “a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident,” explaining that a personnel of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), involved in the dastardly act, has already been seized and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), awaiting the full complement of investigation, prosecution and appropriation of commensurate punishment.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, explained that CP Azare had since swung into action, ordering the immediate arrest and detention of the Police suspect for proper investigation and subsequent prosecution.

“Preliminary information available to the Command indicates that at about 21:30hrs, Police personnel conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along Abak Road stopped a vehicle conveying members of a family.

“It was alleged that during the encounter, a smoke pistol was discharged by one of the officers, resulting in an injury to the left hand of a seven-year-old boy who was inside the vehicle.

“Immediately the incident was brought to the attention of the Commissioner of Police, he directed that the officer allegedly involved, Inspector Monday Okonta, be identified, disarmed and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Uyo, pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation,” she stated.

According to the Police Spokesperson, who appealed for calm, the CP’s intervention demonstrated the seriousness with which the Command views the incident.

Though the distraught parents and sympathizers were praying for the boy to be revived, DSP John, disclosed that her boss, CP Azare, had personally visited the injured child at the hospital, where he interacted with the family, assessed the condition of the child and assured them that the matter would be thoroughly investigated, adding that “the child is presently in stable condition and responding to treatment.”

“CP Azare expressed concern over the incident and assured the family of the injured child that the Command would establish the full circumstances surrounding the matter.

“The Commissioner of Police reiterated that while officers of the Command will continue to discharge their lawful duties of crime prevention, stop-and-search and protection of lives and property, such duties must at all times be carried out with the highest level of professionalism, restraint, responsibility and respect for the safety and rights of members of the public,” DSP John informed.

“The CP further emphasised that the State Police Command will neither shield nor condone any act of misconduct, recklessness or abuse of authority by any officer,” she warned.

“Accordingly, where the investigation establishes misconduct or culpability, appropriate disciplinary and legal measures will be taken in accordance with extant laws and Police regulations,” DSP John assured.

The CP, she stressed, has appealed to the concerned family and members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its full course, assuring them that the process will be transparent, professional and fair to all parties.

Therefore, the CP has appealed to members of the public to continue cooperating with Police officers at lawful checkpoints and stop-and-search points, while assuring citizens that genuine complaints against personnel will continue to receive prompt and appropriate attention.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, upholding the rule of law and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability,” she assured.

However, some civil rights advocates have blamed the incessant frictions and breach of civil – military relationships between security agencies and the citizens on “low morale, drug infestation across the ranks and file, and faulty recruitment process without proper screening fueled by political patronage.”