Police detain officers over assault of civilian in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the alleged assault of a civilian by officers attached to the Ohaukwu Police Division in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, drew public attention after images of the victim circulated on social media.

A viral post also shared by X user @martins_nwede on Monday with the image of the alleged victim read, “Officer Kingsley Esheya attached to Ohaukwu Division, Ebonyi State Command did this to unsuspecting citizen.

“The officer must not go unpunished. This is bringing this to your notice. The CP is always aware but the accused is trying to cover this mess with lies.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the officers involved had been identified, detained and transferred to the state command headquarters on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Hope Okafor.

According to the statement, the Commissioner also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

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Ukandu said the officers would face appropriate disciplinary action based on the outcome of the investigation.

“Ebonyi State Command has identified and detained the officers involved in the recent civilian altercation in Ohaukwu LGA. CP Hope Okafor has ordered a thorough investigation. The victim is receiving treatment at FETHA, and the Command wishes him a speedy recovery,” the statement read.

The command expressed sympathy to the victim, who is receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

It assured the public that the investigation would be transparent, impartial and in line with due process.

The command also reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on police brutality and misconduct, stressing its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of the fundamental rights of all citizens.