A policeman, Adejoh Siaka, has been demoted from the rank of Inspector to Sergeant, following complaints and findings from video evidence widely circulated on Sunday, April 9, 2023, on social media.
He was sanctioned for assault, discreditable conduct, and incivility to members of the public at Emuoha, Rivers State.
A second officer, Sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari, who was also present at the scene but took no step to discourage the inappropriate act, was reprimanded, while a third officer, Inspector Friday Obaka, who was later discovered to have been absent from the scene, was acquitted.
Siaka’s demotion followed an orderly room trial of the affected policemen by the Force Provost Marshal, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed on Tuesday in a statement obtained by our correspondent.
Adejobi said, “Similarly, one Sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari, who was also present at the scene but took no step to discourage such inappropriate and shameful act was severely reprimanded.
“However, one Inspector Friday Obaka, who was later discovered to have been absent from the scene of the skirmish was discharged unconditionally at the conclusion of the proceedings.
“In all, the three policemen will be posted out of Rivers State to other Commands and Formations to continue their police duties.
“The Inspector General of Police has therefore tasked officers and men of the Force to be diligent and uphold the lofty tenets of professional policing in the discharge of their duties with respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
Credit: The Nigeria Lawyers