By Sam Kayode
The policemen, who were involved in an open harassment of a woman in Delta state in a viral video, have been caught and detained.
A statement from the Delta state Command of the Nigeria Police has said that it is aware of a video recording that has since gone viral on various social media platforms of some policemen manhandling a woman in a dehumanizing manner.
The statement, signed by DSP Bright Edafe, noted 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 condemns their act in totality, as no citizen deserves to be treated in such a manner either by the Police or anybody.
“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.”
It stated that 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 dehumanize and trample on the rights of citizens.
The spokesman assured members of the public that the officers concerned will be decisively dealt in accordance with the extant laws as stipulated in the Police act and regulations to serve as a deterrent to others.
He said that the CP wishes to emphasize that protection of life and properties in the State remains the top priority of the Command.
Reactions from activists
HEINOUS POLICE BRUTALITY ON A NIGERIAN WOMAN.
Meanwhile, a civil rights lawyer Frank Tietie has condemned the act of brutality against an armless woman by men of the Nigerian police
In a statement sent to metrowatchxtra.com before the arrests of the police men, he said: “we are by this means calling for verifications of the video herein, preparatory to the launch of a petition to the President, National Human Rights Commission, Police Service Commission , Inspector General of Police and ultimately to the Fed. High Court.
“This inhumane and degrading treatment of torture and brutality by the police on this woman is unacceptable, irrespective of whatever offence she must have allegedly committed.
“We must know that Impunity and the loss of values are the usual precursors to a society or country that is nearing total disintegration and should that happen, no one, no matter how high or low would escape the consequences, for the price of lawlessness can be so devastating in the long run.
“As it now seems we have learnt nothing from the Nigerian civil war or the #EndSARS protests. Prevailing injustice to individuals creates a state of anomie.
“Therefore, we must all rise up and resist bestiality among law enforcement agents” said Frank Tietie of Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER)
