From Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Police Command said it has detained police officers allegedly involved in an assault on a civilian in Ohaukwu Local Government Area and has launched a full investigation into the incident.
In a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, the Command said the Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, acted swiftly upon receiving the report.
According to the statement, CP Okafor immediately ordered the transfer of the officers to the Command Headquarters in Abakaliki. She also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, to commence a thorough investigation.
”The officers have since been detained and will be subjected to the appropriate disciplinary procedures in accordance with the outcome of the investigation,” the statement read.
The Command expressed sympathy to the victim, who is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. It assured the public that the matter would be handled “thoroughly, transparently, and without bias.”
The Police reiterated its commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights.
”Ebonyi State Police Command remains committed to upholding professionalism, accountability, and respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens. It reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on brutality and all forms of misconduct capable of bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute,” the statement added.
The Command warned that any officer found culpable would face disciplinary action in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The incident is the latest to be investigated by the Command as part of ongoing efforts to address allegations of police misconduct in the state.