Crimes

Policemen face trial for running vehicle over handcuffed man

The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the disbandment of the police tactical team, who ran a vehicle over a handcuffed man in the Ekpoma area of Edo State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

Egbetokun had earlier directed the police officers to report to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for further action.

The IGP gave the directive while reacting to the viral video of the incident which occurred on June 29, 2023.

Adejobi, however, noted that the disbandment was to regularise and standardise police operations in Edo State, adding that the police officers involved are currently facing disciplinary charges.

He said: “In a bold move to address the unprofessional conduct of some police officers attached to the Edo State Police Command who were responsible for running over a citizen at Ekpoma, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has taken the decisive action of disbanding the team forthwith.

“This step aims to regularise and standardise police operations in the axis; and restore public trust in the Police Force. Additionally, the operatives involved are currently facing disciplinary charges and administrative procedures.

“This move underscores the commitment of the IGP to hold officers accountable for their actions which will never be tolerated in the Nigeria Police Force.”

The police spokesperson quoted Egbetokun as reiterating his commitment to ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, urging Nigerians to always cooperate with police officers in the discharge of their statutory duties.

The Star