By Dele Ogunyemi
Delta State Police Command, on Sunday, said it was in possession of a video recording, that has since gone viral, showing “some policemen in the state manhandling a woman in a dehumanising manner”.
This disclosure was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, DSP Bright Edafe.
It explained that “after a careful examination of the video clip, it is clear and obvious that the policemen acted in an unprofessional manner unbecoming of police officers”.
The command, in the statement, condemned the act of the policemen in totality stressing that no citizen deserved to be treated in such a manner, either by the police or anybody.
The statement read in part: “Their act is not only inexcusable but unpardonable and will not be tolerated by the Command.
“The erring police officers serving at Agbarho Division have been identified, summoned, and detained at the command headquarters.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Muhammed Ali has directed that internal disciplinary action be initiated immediately, and at the end of their orderly room trial, members of the public will be intimated on the outcome.
“The command wishes to reiterate that ‘rope’ is not a police accoutrement and as such, should not be used by policemen in whatever guise, while carrying out their duty. It’s not in the character of the command to dehumanise and trample on the rights of citizens,” the statement maintained.
The CP, according to the PPRO, assured the public that the officers concerned would be decisively dealt with in accordance with the extant laws, as stipulated in the Police Act and regulations to serve as a deterrent to others.
He also reiterated that protection of lives and properties in the state remains the top priority of the command.
The command, meanwhile, released its dedicated phone lines – 0915 557 0008, 0915 557 0007 and the Command control room via 0803 668 4974 – advising that the lines are available to the public to reach the command, as a quick response contact for any complaint or distress situation.
Originally published at Punch