Police detain officers over alleged assault on civilian, launch investigation

Abakaliki: The Police Command in Ebonyi has identified and detained police officers allegedly involved in an altercation and assault with a civilian in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Joshua Ukandu, stated this in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Tuesday.

Ukandu stated that upon receiving the report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Hope Okafor, immediately ordered the transfer of the officers to the Command Headquarters.

PPRO said the commissioner also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to commence a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

According to him, the officers have since been detained and will undergo appropriate disciplinary procedures in line with the outcome of the investigation.

“The command has identified the officers involved in the incident and taken immediate administrative action to ensure a transparent investigation.

“The officers have been transferred to the Command Headquarters, detained, and will face disciplinary measures in accordance with the findings of the investigation,” he said.

The police spokesman expressed the command’s sympathy to the victim, who is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

He assured members of the public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, transparently and without bias to ensure justice was served.

Ukandu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of the fundamental rights of citizens.

He said the command maintained a zero-tolerance policy against police brutality and all forms of misconduct capable of bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.

He added that any officer found culpable would be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act and other extant regulations.