The Imo State Police Command has issued a statement regarding a viral video showing a physical altercation between a young man and officers from the command during an attempted arrest.
In the video, four members of the Anti-Narcotics Unit are seen engaging in a struggle with the man while trying to detain him. The confrontation has raised concerns about the conduct of the officers involved.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Okoye Henry, acknowledged the video in a statement released on Saturday, assuring the public that the incident is being taken seriously. He emphasized that the Command remains committed to upholding law and order.
Providing further details on the event, ASP Okoye disclosed that on September 16, 2024, the four officers—Sgt Patrick Nwangbo, Cpl God’swill Okechukwu, Cpl Justice Nnorom, and Cpl Goodluck Iwuagwu—were carrying out an operation in Ovoro-Uzomiri Umuosu, Naze, in Owerri North LGA. Their mission was to arrest 32-year-old Prince Amaechi, who had been linked to a case of conspiracy and drug trafficking following the confessions of two previously arrested suspects, Ijeoma Ezealamba and Ebenezer Chukwuka.
However, during the operation, the suspect resisted arrest, leading to the altercation that was captured in the viral footage.
“The Command disapproves of the manner in which the officers handled the situation,” the statement read, stressing that greater discretion and professionalism should have been employed.
The officers involved have been detained for questioning, and the Commissioner of Police has ordered that the case be transferred to the IGP X-Squad Imo State Command for a comprehensive investigation. The officers will also undergo an orderly room trial while the investigation is ongoing.
The Police Command urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, assuring that transparency will be maintained throughout the process and that regular updates will be provided to keep the public informed.
