The Imo State Police Command has demoted a sergeant, Anayo Ekezie, for assaulting a road traveler with a smoke gunner along the Owerri-Aba Expressway. Two inspectors, Ofem Obongha and Obinna Okereke, were also reprimanded for failing to supervise the incident properly.
Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye announced the disciplinary actions on Wednesday, noting that all three officers, attached to the Safer Highway Unit, were found guilty of violating the Nigeria Police Force’s code of conduct and human rights standards.
The action followed a review of a viral video showing the assault, which led to an internal disciplinary hearing. Ekezie was demoted from sergeant to corporal, while the two inspectors received severe reprimands for lack of oversight.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the officers’ behavior and reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for misconduct. He stressed that the Force remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of human rights.
The Imo Police Command also urged the public to report cases of misconduct through the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), the X-Squad, or by calling 08033424051 or 08148024755.