The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that a serving officer was allegedly assaulted and robbed by a group of youths in Nkpolu community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
A video circulating online showed a mob attacking Insp. Joshua Nyian after accusing him of consuming banned substances in the community.
Spokesperson for the State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that the incident took place on August 24 around 10:20 a.m.
She explained that Nyian, who is attached to the Woji Division, was returning from duty when he was confronted by the Nkpolu Youth President, the Community Chairman, and about 20 other youths.
According to Iringe-Koko, Nyian had stopped to visit a female acquaintance, who is reportedly pregnant for him, when the incident unfolded.
“The youths reportedly beat him up, dragged him to the main road, and seized his police identity card and mobile phone. The mob further recorded him on video and forcefully collected N78,000 from him,” she said.
The spokesperson added that Nyian, in his statement, suggested the attack may have been motivated by personal grievances, noting that the Youth President had previously made advances toward his girlfriend.
She confirmed that the officer’s statement was voluntarily recorded and that a medical form was issued to facilitate treatment.
Efforts are ongoing to identify and bring those involved in the assault for questioning and further investigation.
“The command urges community leaders to caution their youths against taking the law into their own hands, as the command remains committed to ensuring justice and maintaining public order,” Iringe-Koko warned.
She assured that justice would be served in the matter.