Police dismiss two officers for ‘assaulting tricyclist’ in Delta

The police command in Delta state says it has dismissed two officers — Felix Ebikabowei and Ndubuisi Abazie — for allegedly assaulting a tricycle operator.

The tricycle operator, identified as 36-year-old Brodrick Omesan, was said to have been accosted by the two police officers along the Estate roundabout axis of Warri in Delta state, on August 12.

According to the police, the two policemen allegedly assaulted Omesan after an argument had ensued, and the victim was said to have sustained serious head injuries.

The victim was reportedly rushed to the hospital, where he is said to be currently receiving treatment.

Ari Muhammed, Delta commissioner of police, ordered that the officers undergo orderly room trial, after which they were said to have been found guilty of breaching provisions of the police Act.

Muhammed said the dismissed police officers will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

“Delta State Police Command has dismissed two officers of the command for seriously assaulting one Brodrick Omesan. The two officers, namely Sgt Felix Ebikabowei and Ndubuisi Abazie, before their dismissal, were attached to ‘B’ Division Warri,” Bright Edafe, Delta police spokesperson, said in a statement on Friday.

“On 12/8/2021, after close of work, they conspired among themselves and engaged in illegal duty along Estate roundabout, Warri. They accosted a tricycle rider, one Brodrick Omesan, ‘m’, age 36yrs, of Oviri street, Agbarho.

“An argument ensued between the policemen and the victim, during which they allegedly pushed and beat him up, which led to serious injuries on his head.

“Investigation later revealed that the two officers have a case to answer on the serious assault on the victim, who is still in critical condition. The CP again ordered that they should face internal disciplinary action and the command provost was directed to try them in an orderly room.

“The two officers, who were tried for the offence of incivility to members of the public, disobedience to lawful order contrary to paragraph E(iii) first schedule of the police act and regulations 370, paragraph F of police act and regulations CAP P.9 laws of the federal republic of Nigeria 2004, were found guilty on both counts and have been dismissed from the force W.E.F 14/9/2021.”