A policeman serving in Rivers State, Adejoh Siaka, has been demoted from the rank of Inspector to Sergeant, following complaints and findings from a video widely circulated on social media on Sunday, April 9.
Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying Siaka was sanctioned for assault, discreditable conduct, and incivility to members of the public in the Emuoha area of the oil-rich state.
The police authorities also reprimanded a second officer – Sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari – who was also present at the scene but took no step to discourage the inappropriate act and acquitted a third officer, Inspector Friday Obaka, who was later discovered to have been absent from the scene.
Siaka’s demotion followed an orderly room trial of the affected policemen by the Force Provost Marshal, Adejobi said.
ASSAULT ON PUBLIC: POLICE DERANKS ONE, ANOTHER SEVERELY REPRIMANDED
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) April 18, 2023
As IGP Tasks Officers on Professionalism, Respect for Fundamental Rights
Subsequent to complaints and findings on video evidence widely circulated on Sunday 9th April, 2023, … pic.twitter.com/W5JrCv5hIg
“Similarly, one Sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari, who was also present at the scene but took no step to discourage such inappropriate and shameful act was severely reprimanded,” he said
“However, one Inspector Friday Obaka, who was later discovered to have been absent from the scene of the skirmish was discharged unconditionally at the conclusion of the proceedings.
“In all, the three policemen will be posted out of Rivers State to other Commands and Formations to continue their police duties.
“The Inspector General of Police has therefore tasked officers and men of the Force to be diligent and uphold the lofty tenets of professional policing in the discharge of their duties with respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”