The Imo State Police Command has taken disciplinary action against three of its personnel following a viral video showing a man being assaulted by officers along the Owerri-Aba Road.
Among those sanctioned is Sergeant Anayo Ekezie, who has now been demoted to the rank of corporal for his role in the incident.
According to a statement released Wednesday night by the State Police Command’s Spokesperson, Henry Okoye, the officers involved were identified and subjected to an internal disciplinary process known as an orderly room trial.
“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,” Okoye stated.
He explained that the review of the footage led to the trial, during which Ekezie was found guilty of using his smoke gunner during the assault.
“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 in Imo, CP Aboki Danjuma, condemned the actions of the officers, emphasizing that such behavior violates both police ethics and human rights protocols.
“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,” the statement concluded.
