The Anambra State Police Command has reacted to a viral video showing officers allegedly harassing a citizen in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The wife of the victim narrated that the police officers stopped her husband and requested his documents. She said that despite presenting the required papers, the officers allegedly handcuffed him, accused him of being a thief and took him away.
According to her, the officers demanded N500,000 from the victim. Out of fear, as he was unsure whether they were genuine police officers or kidnappers, he allegedly agreed to pay N200,000 and was taken to a Point of Sale operator to withdraw the money.
Reacting to the incident in a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command had begun steps to identify the officers involved and assured that no personnel implicated in the incident would be protected.
He disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer of Okpoko had already received the complaint and immediately commenced efforts to identify the officers allegedly involved in the act.
Ikenga added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, had directed the DPO to produce the officers concerned for investigation and possible disciplinary action in line with the regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the police spokesperson, preliminary findings from the investigation indicated that the DPO had earlier assigned officers to identify the personnel allegedly involved in the incident.
He also disclosed that the money reportedly collected from the victim had been returned, describing the development as a serious indictment and evidence of unprofessional conduct by the officers.
Ikenga further noted that the involvement of the POS operator suggested possible conspiracy in the incident.
The command reiterated that it would not shield any officer found culpable and assured that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken in accordance with established procedures.
He added that the Anambra State Police Command remained committed to professionalism, accountability and the protection of the rights of citizens, while promising that further updates would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
