The Nigeria Police Force has demoted an officer, Adejoh Siaka, from the post of Inspector to Sergeant, over his involvement in the assault of a member of the public in Rivers State.
In a statement released on Sunday, September 24, police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the incident happened on April 9 in the Emouha area of the state.
Adejobi also disclosed another officer involved in the assault case, Ndiwa Kpuebari, a sergeant, was “severely reprimanded.”
A video had circulated on social media in April, showing when an officer slapped and whipped a man.
Reacting to the video, Muyiwa said, “The attention of the NPF has been drawn to an old video that has gone viral, where some policemen, on Sunday, April 9, 2023, engaged in assault, discreditable conduct, and incivility to members of the public, at Emouha, Rivers State.
“The matter was adequately addressed by the Police with public dissemination of Information on Police action via a press statement with reference number CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.5/52 dated April 18, 2023.
“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.
“Additionally, Inspector Friday Obaka, who was absent from the scene, was discharged unconditionally.
“It’s astonishing to see the video being widely circulated again as a new incident. We urge the general public to please discountenance 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.
Credit: X | princemoye1