A team of seven police officers who ran their vehicle over handcuffed man in Ekpoma, Edo State last week Thursday is currently facing disciplinary actions that may earn them summary dismissal and criminal trial in court.
Besides, the Acting Inspector General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun has announced the disbandment of the police team in Edo State that overran a citizen at Ekpoma with a vehicle.
A statement on Thursday by Force spokesman CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said “The operatives involved in the misconduct are currently facing disciplinary charges and administrative procedures.”
The incident went viral on internet last week’s Thursday showing where a handcuffed man was lying on the ground in front the vehicle conveying seven police officers and as it repeatedly ran over him.
Eye witness said the man was handcuffed by some police officers attached to the Ekpoma division over his refusal to allow them to go through his mobile phones.
The police officers reportedly tried to take the man to their station but they were resisted by passersby. The incident led to a scuffle between passersby and the officers.
Amid the melee, the police personnel entered their vehicle to drive off from the scene, with the handcuffed man still writhing on the floor.
The victim was left with several bruises on his body afterwards and sympathizers rushed him to the hospital where he currently taking treatment.
Acting IGP Egbetokun who had made unprofessional conduct by some police officers as one of the core issues to be addressed by his administration, immediately summoned the Police Officers through the Edo State Police Command.
Force spokesman Adejobi said the decision was taken as a “step aims to regularize and standardize police operations in the axis; and restore public trust in the Police Force.”
“Additionally, the operatives involved are currently facing disciplinary charges and administrative procedures. This move underscores the commitment of the IGP to hold officers accountable for their actions which will never be tolerated in the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates his commitment to ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and ethics while urging members of the public to always cooperate with Police Officers in the discharge of their statutory duties,” he stated.