Police demote officer over assault in Rivers

The Nigeria police force has demoted an officer over his involvement in an assault on a member of the public in Rivers.

The incident happened on April 9 in the Emouha area of the state. In the video, a police officer in the customary black uniform slapped and flogged a white-clothed man.

Following the virality of the video, Muyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson of the police, said the operatives involved in the assault had been arrested and ordered to report at the force’s headquarters.

In a statement on Sunday, Adejobi said Adejoh Siaka, an inspector, has been demoted to the post of a sergeant, while Ndiwa Kpuebari, a sergeant, was “severely reprimanded” for his involvement in the incident.

“Following complaints and a subsequent orderly room trial, one police officer, Inspector Adejoh Siaka, was demoted from inspector to sergeant, and another officer, sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari, was severely reprimanded for their involvement in the incident,’ the statement reads.

“Additionally, Inspector Friday Obaka, who was absent from the scene, was discharged unconditionally.”

The police spokesperson appealed to the public to discount the old video that is being circulated as a new incident on social media.

“It’s astonishing to see the video being widely circulated again as a new incident. We urge the general public to please discount the video which appears to be an attempt to bring the Force to disrepute and generate a wrong impression about the Police.

“Mischief makers are hereby warned to always verify facts before rushing to make unfounded claims about such matters on social media.”

On July 9, the police service commission (PSC) demoted a commissioner of police over alleged abuse of office.

The commission also dismissed three officers and demoted nine others.