TV Invasion: CP Apologises for Officers’ Unprofessional Conduct In Abia

The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Mr Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, has apologised for his officers’ unprofessional conduct at the online Abia Breaking News (ABN) television and radio studio in Umuahia.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement to newsmen, said that the CP gave the apology when he visited the studio on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some police personnel from Umuahia Area Command had invaded the studio on Tuesday to carry out an arrest of one Mr. Donald Udensi, who was a guest during a live programme.

The Director of the outfit, Mr. Ifeanyi Okali, had alleged that many of its broadcast equipment, including laptop, camera, and microphones, were damaged by the police personnel during the incident.

However, the PPRO stated that the CP, during the visit, conducted an on-the-spot assessment and had discussions with the director. According to Chinaka, the CP apologised for the conduct of the officers, and the matter was resolved amicably.

The statement read in part: “Preliminary investigations into the incident indicate that the police officers who made the arrest conducted themselves unprofessionally.

“This is because, while there is no law prohibiting a police officer from making an arrest in a studio, the facts surrounding the particular case being investigated by the police officers do not warrant such actions.

“However, the officers defaulted, and their orderly room trial commences today (Thursday). If found guilty, they will be disciplined accordingly.”

(NAN)