Imo Police Take Action After Viral Assault Video, Demotes Officer, Reprimands Others

The Imo Police Command has taken swift disciplinary action following the emergence of a viral video showing three police officers assaulting a civilian along the Owerri–Aba Road. The video, which sparked outrage on social media, showed officers physically abusing a man in broad daylight, drawing widespread condemnation and renewed calls for police reform.

Following public outcry, the Command promptly launched an internal investigation, which led to the identification of the three officers involved in the incident. They were named as Inspector Ofem Obongha, Inspector Obinna Okereke, and Sergeant Anayo Ekezie, all attached to the Safer Highway Unit of the Imo State Police Command.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Okoye Henry, the Command confirmed that the matter had been thoroughly reviewed and that the officers were subjected to an orderly room trial — the internal disciplinary procedure of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

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The trial found Sergeant Anayo Ekezie guilty of misusing his service-issued smoke gunner during the assault. As a result, he was demoted to the rank of Corporal, a punishment considered significant within the Force’s disciplinary framework. On the other hand, Inspectors Obongha and Okereke were found to have failed in their supervisory responsibilities and were issued severe reprimands.

“The officers’ actions constitute a clear violation of the Nigeria Police Force’s Code of Conduct and the basic human rights of the victim,” the statement read.

Commissioner of Police (CP), Aboki Danjuma, expressed strong disapproval of the incident, labeling it a gross act of misconduct and a stain on the professionalism expected of police officers. He reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance policy toward any form of abuse or brutality by law enforcement agents under his watch.

“This act is condemnable and does not represent the values of the Nigeria Police Force or the Imo State Command,” CP Danjuma declared. “The officers involved have been appropriately disciplined, and we are committed to ensuring this does not happen again.”

The Commissioner also took the opportunity to call on the public to remain vigilant and report any future instances of misconduct or abuse of power by officers. He emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in law enforcement, encouraging citizens to utilize the available reporting channels provided by the Command.

The statement listed the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), the X-Squad Unit, and two dedicated hotlines — 08033424051 and 08148024755 — as open channels for the public to submit reports or complaints.

“The Command urges the public to report any incidents of police misconduct,” DSP Okoye reiterated. “We remain committed to transparency, professionalism, and the protection of citizens’ rights.”

This disciplinary response is viewed by many observers as a positive signal of institutional accountability, particularly in a nation where incidents of police brutality have historically gone unpunished. The memory of the #EndSARS protests — a nationwide movement that called for an end to police violence and demanded sweeping reforms — still lingers in the national consciousness, making the public highly sensitive to such abuses.

While the demotion of Sergeant Ekezie and the reprimand of his superiors may not satisfy all critics, it marks a concrete disciplinary measure and a message to officers across the state that misconduct will not be tolerated. Civil society groups and human rights advocates have praised the Command for its prompt response but have also called for more comprehensive reform measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Public reaction to the disciplinary action has been mixed. Some have praised the police for moving quickly, but others believe that more stringent punishments, including dismissal or prosecution, may have been warranted.

Nonetheless, the Imo State Police Command’s action sets a precedent for other commands in Nigeria and reflects growing awareness within the Force of the need to rebuild public trust. With incidents like this continuing to surface, the emphasis now must shift toward institutional reforms, proper training, and the reinforcement of ethical standards among law enforcement officers.

As the Command works to restore public confidence, citizens are being encouraged to engage more with oversight mechanisms and to hold security operatives accountable. The Imo State Police Command’s response underscores the delicate balance between law enforcement authority and citizen rights, a balance that must be preserved for genuine public safety and trust to exist.