Police derank Inspector, reprimand Sergeant for assaulting man in Rivers

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reduced the rank of an Inspector and reprimanded one other officer for assaulting a man at Elibrade junction in the Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The NPF had earlier revealed the identity of the police officers for assaulting the man.

The officers were Inspector Adejoh Siaka, Inspector Friday Obaka, and Sgt. Ndiwa Kpuebari.

A viral video shared on social media showed one of the policemen beating and slapping the man.

However, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 18, said Siaka has been reduced in rank from Inspector to Sergeant after a follow-up orderly room trial of the affected policemen by the Force Provost Marshal.

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Adejobi noted that Kpuebari, who was also present at the scene but took no steps to discourage such inappropriate and shameful act, was reprimanded.

He added that Obaka, who was later discovered to have been absent from the scene of the incident, was discharged unconditionally at the conclusion of the proceedings.

“In all, the three Policemen would 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, police must respect the fundamental rights of all citizens in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” the police spokesperson said.

The Star