The Imo State Police Command has arrested a police inspector and two personnel of the State Civil Guard Corps over the alleged harassment and extortion of a motorist in Owerri, the state capital.
The arrests followed the circulation of a video on social media on Thursday, showing the inspector and the civil guards allegedly harassing a motorist and struggling with him over the steering wheel.
In a statement released on Friday, the police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, identified the inspector as Chinwe Ejiogu, who is attached to the Shell Camp Divisional Police Headquarters.
The two civil guard personnel were identified as Kelechi Nzediagwu and Onyedikachi Chibuike.
Okoye disclosed that the incident occurred on Thursday after the motorist was allegedly stopped for driving without a driver’s licence.
He added that the three personnel had been detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) pending the conclusion of the investigation.
“The command strongly condemns the conduct depicted in the video, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the standards of discipline and integrity expected of law enforcement personnel,” the statement reads.
The police spokesperson further stated that the Commissioner of Police had directed the command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU) to investigate the incident.
He appealed to the affected motorist to report to the unit and provide relevant information that could assist the investigation.
According to Okoye, appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against the personnel once the investigation had been concluded.
He stressed that no traffic violation justified extortion, harassment or abuse of office, adding that all officers and personnel had been warned to perform their duties in accordance with the law and treat members of the public with respect.