Following the directive given by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, that police officers who violated his last directive, should be made to face disciplinary measures or sack; the Imo state police commissioner, Isaac O. Akinmoyede has announced that displinary action has commenced against a policeman, Obioma O. Obi who was seen in a viral video assaulting #EndSARS protesters.
Recall that On Sunday, the IGP banned operatives, especially the federal special anti-robbery squad (FSARS), the special tactical squad (STS) and intelligence response team (IRT) from routine patroling, indiscriminate searching of suspects phones, laptops or other devices.
His directive was necessitated by the public outrage, over the incessant and indiscriminate killings of young Nigerians
Obi was captured in a video assaulting the protesters on Monday.
Confirmed in a statement released by the state’s police spokesperson, Ikeokwu Godson Orlando, Akinmoyede condemned the unprofessional conduct by a police officer attempting to assault some protesting citizens.
He expressed his disappointment, saying that the conduct displayed by the officer is not a true reflection of the ethics, standards, values and training of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Commissioner maintained that every citizen has the right to express their concerns through protest and other legitimate means.
The statement read;
The Commissioner of Police, Imo state, CP Isaac O. Akinmoyede, psc, fdc, MNIM, has condemned the unprofessional conduct by a police officer, captured in a trending video, attempting to assault some protesting citizens against alleged human rights violations by personnel of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Imo State, today, 8th October, 2020. The CP notes that the conduct displayed by the officer is not a true reflection of the ethics, standards, values and training of the Nigeria Police Force.
The CP, while noting that disciplinary action has already commenced against the erring officer, however observes that much as it is within the rights of the citizens to express their concerns through protest and other legitimate means, they should do so in a peaceful manner, devoid of violence and disruption of public peace and order.
The CP calls on the people of Imo State to exercise restraint and be patient with the ongoing reforms on SARS and other Tactical Squads of the Force. He reassures that the Command will fully comply with the directives of the IGP towards preventing any violation of the rights of the citizen and improving on the working relationship between the Command and residents of the State.
