The Imo State Police Command has demoted a sergeant, Anayo Ekezie for assaulting a road traveller using a smoke gunner along the Owerri-Aba Expressway.
The Command also announced the reprimand of two Police Inspectors, Ofem Obongha and Obinna Okereke, for failing to exercise supervisory control during the incident which occurred along the Owerri-Aba highway.
Police spokesperson for Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye made the disclosure on Wednesday night.
According to him, the three men all attached to the Safer Highway unit were found guilty of breach of the Police Force code of conduct and human rights standards.
He said Anayo Ekezie was found guilty and was demoted from a Sergeant to a Corporal as punishment for his action, while the other two Inspectors were reprimanded for failing to exercise appropriate supervision.
Okoye said, “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.
On his part, the Commissioner of Police for Imo State, Aboki Danjuma condemned the action of the men which he said ran foul of the Force’s code of conduct and human rights standards.
Danjuma maintained that there was zero tolerance for police misconduct and promised appropriate action on those found guilty.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command has called on the public to report any incidents of Police misconduct through the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), X-Squad unit, or via 08033424051 or 0814 802 4755 saying they are committed to transparency, professionalism, and protecting citizens’ rights.
