The Imo State Police Command has demoted a police sergeant, Anayo Ekezie, for assaulting a road traveller with a smoke gunner along the Owerri-Aba Expressway.
In a statement issued Wednesday night, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed that the disciplinary action followed the circulation of a viral video showing the assault. Ekezie, along with Inspectors Ofem Obongha and Obinna Okereke, all attached to the Safer Highway Unit, were found culpable after an internal review.
According to Okoye, Sergeant Ekezie was subjected to an orderly room trial and found guilty of using his service weapon to assault a civilian. As a result, he has been demoted from the rank of Sergeant to Corporal.
Inspectors Obongha and Okereke were also sanctioned with severe reprimands for failing in their supervisory duties during the incident.
“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 taken appropriate disciplinary action,” Okoye said.
He added, “The orderly room trial was conducted in accordance with the Nigeria Police Force’s disciplinary procedures. While Sergeant Ekezie was demoted for using excessive force, the two Inspectors were reprimanded for neglecting their supervisory responsibilities.”
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the actions of the officers, stressing that such behavior violates both the Police Code of Conduct and fundamental human rights standards. He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for misconduct and assured the public that accountability would be enforced.
The Command also urged citizens to report any cases of police abuse or misconduct through the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), the X-Squad, or by calling 08033424051 or 08148024755.
“We remain committed to professionalism, transparency, and the protection of citizens’ rights,” the statement concluded.
