ASP in custody over alleged social media threat

The Anambra State Police Command says an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), names withheld, is in its custody over an alleged social media threat to shoot any member of the public that will record him on duty.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement he issued to newsmen on Friday.

The statement read in part: “The police wish to address the public on a video currently circulating on social media, in which a police officer was seen threatening violence and engaging in conduct unbecoming of a member of the Nigerian Police.

“Following a review of the video, the command identified and arrested the officer involved.

“The officer is an Assistant Superintendent of Police serving in the command.”

Ikenga added that in line with the disciplinary standards and ethical code of the Nigerian Police, internal disciplinary proceedings have been activated against the officer.

He added that as part of the ongoing investigation, the officer had been subjected to drug test to aid the command in establishing all the surrounding circumstances and ensuring a thorough and transparent process.

He stated that the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the conduct allegedly displayed by the officer in the video.

The police spokesman added that Orutugu reiterated that the Nigeria Police is a disciplined institution that would not condone misconduct, capable of undermining public trust and confidence.

The command assured the public that the outcome of the disciplinary action would be made open.

Ikenga warned that any officer found culpable for misconduct would be made to face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the extant laws and police regulations.

The command, therefore, advised its operatives to be professional, emotionally balanced and respectful in the discharge of their lawful duties, especially in an era, where actions and conducts are subject to public scrutiny.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the embattled officer was reacting to the recent court judgment that validates the right of any Nigerian to record and/or video police officers and men discharging their lawful duties.