Police Arrest Officers Over Alleged Brutality On Civilian In Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State command of the Nigeria Police Force has detained some officers attached to the Ohaukwu Police Division over the alleged assault of a civilian in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.

The command also said it had commenced a full investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday.

The case drew public attention after images of the injured victim circulated on social media.

A viral post shared on 𝕏 on Monday by a user, @martins_nwede, accused an officer identified as Kingsley Esheya of assaulting the victim.

The post read, “Officer Kingsley Esheya attached to Ohaukwu Division, Ebonyi State Command did this to unsuspecting citizen.

“The officer must not go unpunished. This is bringing this to your notice. The CP is always aware but the accused is trying to cover this mess with lies.”

CP Orders Investigation

Naija News reports that in a statement issued on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the officers involved had been identified, detained and transferred to the state command headquarters.

Ukandu said the action followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Hope Okafor.

According to him, the Commissioner also ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

The police spokesperson said the officers would face appropriate disciplinary action depending on the outcome of the probe.

“Ebonyi State Command has identified and detained the officers involved in the recent civilian altercation in Ohaukwu LGA. CP Hope Okafor has ordered a thorough investigation. The victim is receiving treatment at FETHA, and the Command wishes him a speedy recovery,” the statement read.

The command expressed sympathy to the victim, who is receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

It assured members of the public that the investigation would be transparent, impartial and in line with due process.

The command also reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on police brutality and misconduct.

It stressed that it remained committed to professionalism, accountability and the protection of the fundamental rights of all citizens.