Police dismiss officer for ‘beating man with machete’ in Cross River

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed one Liyomo Okoi, a police constable, over “gross misconduct”.

In a video that went viral recently, the officer was seen hitting a man with a cutlass in Cross River.

Muyiwa Adejobi, NPF spokesman, in a statement on Monday, said the dismissal of the officer takes effect immediately.

“The Force has dismissed Force No. 524503 PC Liyomo Okoi attached to Ekori Divisional Headquarters, Cross River Police Command, for gross misconduct captured in a viral video on 31st July, 2022 where he was flogging a man with a machete,” the statement reads.

“His dismissal takes effect from today the 8th of August, 2022.

“The Inspector-General of Police has therefore reiterated his commitment to ethical regeneration, restoration of professional standard, and enhancement of the anti-corruption drive with dedication to entrenching human rights-driven policing within the country.

“The IGP expressed confidence that the current overhauling will improve the effectiveness of the units, and rid them of negative elements who deviate from the standard operating procedure of the Units, and the Nigeria Police Force in general.”

Adejobi also said Usman Baba, inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered an “overhauling” of special units within the NPF, and warned officers against extortion and brutality.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, fdc, has expressed grave disappointment at the reports of brutality and extortion leveled against some police officers via various complaint channels available to the public, particularly on social media platforms,” Adejobi said.

“The IGP has therefore directed all supervising Commissioners of Police and Tactical/Strategic Commanders to ensure strict supervision of their personnel as further incidences of this nature would be viewed strictly.

“The IGP has also ordered a wholistic overhauling of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the Special Tactical Squad (STS), and the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) Units to ensure that their operations are in tandem with the purpose for their creation, and maximum effectiveness and output in line with the mandate of the IGP’s administration and public safety.

“The IGP has therefore directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau (AIG-FIB) to carry out supervisory role over the three units to ensure their operations are professional, active and productive and do not infringe on the fundamental rights of the citizenry, and other members of the public.”