The Police Command in Imo State has officially demoted an officer, Sergeant Anayo Ekezie, reducing his rank to Corporal due to his involvement in the severe brutalization of a citizen ,utilizing a smoke gunner.
This decision was disclosed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Henry Okoye, in a comprehensive statement issued on Thursday in the state capital, Owerri.
Okoye explained that Sgt. Ekezie gained notoriety after being identified in a disturbing viral video that depicted a group of police officers assaulting the young man on the busy Owerri–Aba Road. In light of this incident, the command promptly launched an internal investigation, leading to disciplinary measures against the implicated officers.
In addition to Ekezie, the video captured the misconduct of Inspectors Ofem Obongha and Obinna Okereke, both affiliated with the safer Highway Unit. Following a thorough review of the footage, the command carried out an orderly room trial, adhering strictly to the Nigeria Police Force’s established disciplinary processes.
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The findings concluded that Sgt. Ekezie was culpable of employing his issued smoke gunner during the assault, resulting in his demotion. Meanwhile, Inspectors Obongha and Okereke received severe reprimands for their failure to exercise appropriate supervisory control, which allowed such unprofessional behavior to transpire under their watch.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, expressed his unequivocal condemnation of the officers’ actions, categorizing them as a flagrant violation of the Force’s Code of Conduct and fundamental human rights principles.
Danjuma emphasized the command’s unwavering zero-tolerance policy towards police misconduct and committed to taking decisive action against anyone found guilty of such behavior.
DSP Okoye further encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any instances of police malpractice via the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), the X-Squad Unit, or through designated contact numbers 08033424051, 0814 802 4755. He reassured the public of the command’s steadfast dedication to transparency, professionalism, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
