The Ebonyi State Police Command has detained police officers allegedly involved in the assault of a civilian in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The Command said the action followed reports and images circulating on social media alleging that the victim was assaulted by officers attached to the Ohaukwu Police Division.
In a press statement issued on Monday in Abakaliki, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, Hope Urunwa Okafor, acted immediately after receiving the report by directing that the officers involved be transferred to the Command Headquarters.
Ukandu said the Commissioner also ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to commence a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to the statement, the officers have since been detained and will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary procedures in line with the outcome of the investigation.
"The Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command has identified the police officers involved in an altercation with a civilian in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
"Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, immediately directed that the officers be transferred to the Command Headquarters.
She also ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to commence a thorough investigation into the incident.
The officers have since been detained and will be subjected to the appropriate disciplinary procedures in accordance with the outcome of the investigation," the statement read.
The Command expressed sympathy to the victim, who is currently receiving treatment at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, assuring members of the public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, transparently and without bias.
The Police Command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability and respect for the fundamental rights of citizens, stressing that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy against brutality and other forms of misconduct capable of bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.
It further assured that any officer found culpable at the conclusion of the investigation would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with established police regulations.
The statement was referenced AZ.:5200/EBS/PPRO/VOL.9/78 and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, on behalf of the Ebonyi State Command.
