The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has once again addressed a viral video that surfaced on social media, depicting police officers engaged in assault and misconduct towards members of the public in Emouha, Rivers State, on Sunday, April 9, 2023. In a press statement issued by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), the NPF expressed its commitment to accountability and transparency in handling such cases.
Profound Disappointment over Video Circulation
The video, which has resurfaced recently, had previously been addressed by the police through a press statement with reference number CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.5/52, dated April 18, 2023. The statement provided details about the actions taken by the police to address the incident.
Following complaints and an orderly room trial by Police department, Inspector Adejoh Siaka was demoted from the rank of Inspector to Sergeant, while Sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari received a severe reprimand for their involvement in the incident. Additionally, Inspector Friday Obaka, who was absent from the scene, was discharged unconditionally.
NPF Calling for Public Discernment
The NPF has openly conveyed its profound disappointment regarding the resurfacing and widespread circulation of a certain video, which regrettably gives rise to the misleading notion of an entirely new incident. In light of this disconcerting development, the NPF has earnestly implored the public to exercise due discernment and, in no uncertain terms, disregard the aforementioned video. This video, upon careful scrutiny, appears to bear the hallmarks of a deliberate attempt to besmirch the hitherto unblemished reputation of the NPF, while concurrently disseminating patently erroneous information.
Furthermore, in a stern and unequivocal message, the NPF has issued a cautionary admonition to those who might be inclined towards mischievous actions, vigorously underscoring the paramount importance of meticulously verifying facts prior to propagating unfounded assertions and claims through the channels of social media.
Human Rights Watch Report Exposes Rampant Police Corruption and Abuse in Nigeria
A multitude of reports from across Nigeria have documented instances of citizens suffering abuse at the hands of the police. Human Rights Watch has released a report today asserting that the pervasive corruption within the NPF is exacerbating these abuses against ordinary citizens, significantly eroding the foundations of the rule of law in Nigeria.
Human Rights Watch has issued a resounding call to the Nigerian authorities, urging them to embark on swift and comprehensive measures aimed at significantly bolstering transparency within the budgetary processes of the police force. This imperative step, the organization contends, is paramount in order to curb the pernicious influence of corruption within the ranks of the Nigeria Police Force. In tandem with this transparency-enhancing initiative, Human Rights Watch further implores the authorities to initiate exhaustive investigations targeting police officers at all echelons of the hierarchy who find themselves implicated in corrupt activities.
While Human Rights Watch expresses its deep appreciation for the commendable conduct exhibited by numerous Nigerian police officers, who diligently fulfill their duties even in the face of formidable challenges and often hazardous conditions, it is important to underscore the overarching findings of their research. This comprehensive investigation has revealed the deeply entrenched and systemic nature of corruption and abusive behavior within the Nigeria Police Force.
One particularly poignant insight emerged during the course of their research, as conveyed by a police sergeant in an interview with Human Rights Watch. This officer astutely likened the pervasive corruption within the force to “a disease in all of us.” Such a stark metaphor underscores the pressing need for reform and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the commendable conduct of the majority is not overshadowed by the actions of the few engaging in corrupt practices.
Fostering Public Trust and Transparency
This recent response from the NPF serves to underscore, with unwavering clarity, their unwavering commitment to actively engage with and rectify instances of police misconduct, thereby ensuring the complete and unflinching accountability of all officers for their actions. The police force remains steadfast in its avowed mission to emphasize the critical value of fostering and maintaining trust within the general populace, along with an unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of transparency in every single interaction with the Nigerian public.
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
