Police Demote Officer and Censure Two Others for Assault in Imo

The Imo State Police Command has demoted Sergeant Anayo Ekezie for assaulting a road traveler using a smoke gunner along the Owerri-Aba Expressway.

Additionally, two police inspectors, Ofem Obongha and Obinna Okereke, have been reprimanded for failing to exercise proper supervisory control during the incident, which took place on the Owerri-Aba highway.

Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye announced the disciplinary actions on Wednesday night, stating that all three officers, who were part of the Safer Highway unit, were found guilty of breaching the Police Force’s code of conduct and violating human rights standards.

DSP Henry Okoye stated that Anayo Ekezie was found guilty and subsequently demoted from Sergeant to Corporal as punishment for his actions. Meanwhile, Inspectors Ofem Obongha and Obinna Okereke were reprimanded for failing to exercise proper supervision during the incident.

Okoye said, “The Imo State Police Command, in response to a viral video showing police officers assaulting a man along the Owerri–Aba Road, has identified the officers involved and initiated disciplinary action. The officers are Inspector Ofem Obongha, Inspector Obinna Okereke, and Sergeant Anayo Ekezie, all from the Safer Highway Unit.

“Following a review of the video, the Command conducted an orderly room trial in line with Nigeria Police Force disciplinary procedures. Sergeant Anayo 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, ” Okoye said.

Imo State’s Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the actions of the officers, stating they violated the Force’s code of conduct and human rights standards. He emphasized that there is zero tolerance for police misconduct and assured that appropriate action would be taken against those found guilty.

Additionally, the Imo State Police Command has urged the public to report any instances of police misconduct through the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), the X-Squad unit, or by calling 08033424051 or 0814 802 4755. They reiterated their commitment to transparency, professionalism, and safeguarding citizens’ rights.