The police have demoted an officer, Sgt. Anayo Ekezie, to the rank of corporal, for brutalising a middle-aged man in Imo.

This was announced in a statement on Thursday by the police command in Imo.

The demoted officer was identified in a viral video showing police officers assaulting the man along the Owerri–Aba Road.

The command in response initiated a disciplinary action against the officers.

Other officers seen in the video were Insp Ofem Obongha and Insp Obinna Okereke, all from the Safer Highway Unit.

“Following a review of the video, the command conducted an orderly room trial in line with the Nigeria Police Force disciplinary procedures.

“Sgt. Ekezie was found guilty of using his issued smoke gunner in the assault and has been demoted to the rank of corporal.

“Inspectors Obongha and Okereke were severely reprimanded for failing to exercise proper supervisory control, which allowed the unprofessional conduct to occur,” said the police.

Police commissioner Aboki Danjuma condemned the officers’ actions, describing them as a breach of the force’s code of conduct and human rights standards.

Mr Danjuma reiterated the zero-tolerance policy for police misconduct and promised appropriate action for those found guilty.

The command urged the public to report any incidents of police misconduct through the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), X-Squad Unit, or via 08033424051, 0814 802 4755.

The police restated their commitment to transparency, professionalism, and protecting citizens’ rights. 

(NAN)