The Imo State Police Command has reacted to a recent viral video showing a confrontation during the arrest of a young man in the state.
The video showed four operatives from the command’s Anti-Narcotics Unit in a physical confrontation with the young man in question in what appears to be an attempt to arrest him.
Spokesman of the command, ASP Okoye Henry, in a statement on Saturday, said the command was aware of the video and assured that the command takes “such matters seriously and is committed to maintaining law and order in the state.”
Narrating what transpired, ASP Okoye said four operatives of the command’s Anti-Narcotics Unit, namely, Sgt Patrick Nwangbo, Cpl God’swill Okechukwu, Cpl Justice Nnorom, and Cpl Goodluck Iwuagwu, embarked on an operation at Ovoro-Uzomiri Umuosu, Naze in Owerri North LGA of Imo State, on 16/09/2024 to execute an arrest warrant for a 32-year-old young man named, Prince Amaechi linked to a case of conspiracy and drug trafficking, based on the confession of previously arrested suspects named; Ijeoma Ezealamba and Ebenezer Chukwuka.
According to him, during the operation, the suspect resisted arrest, leading to the escalation captured in the video.
“The Command condemns the actions of the operatives, emphasizing that the situation should have been handled with greater discretion and professionalism,” the statement reads.
“The operatives involved have been apprehended for interrogation, and the Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to the IGP X-Squad Imo State Command for thorough investigation.
“Additionally, the officers will face an orderly room trial pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The Command urges the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation while we conduct an investigation.
“The Imo State Police Command is dedicated to transparency and will provide updates as appropriate orderly room trial pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The Command urges the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation while we conduct an investigation.
“The Imo State Police Command is dedicated to transparency and will provide updates as appropriate to keep the members of the public informed.”
