Imo Police Investigate Officers in Viral Assault Video
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Imo State Police Command has initiated an investigation into a viral video showing officers in a violent confrontation with a man. The incident reportedly took place on September 16, 2024, during an attempt to execute an arrest warrant for 32-year-old Prince Amaechi, who is accused of drug trafficking.
The video depicts officers pinning Amaechi to the ground while he was holding a child, with his wife recording the incident and calling for assistance.
In a statement on Sunday, police spokesperson Henry Okoye confirmed that four operatives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit were involved, identifying them as Sergeant Patrick Nwangbo, Corporal Godswill Okechukwu, Corporal Justice Nnorom, and Corporal Goodluck Iwuagwu.
Okoye condemned their actions, labeling them unprofessional, and noted that the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has directed that the case be transferred to the IGP X-Squad for a comprehensive investigation.
The statement reads: “The Imo State Police Command acknowledges the recent video circulating on social media regarding a confrontation during an arrest and assures the public that it takes such matters seriously. We are committed to maintaining law and order in the state.”
The statement continued, explaining that the officers were executing an arrest warrant based on the confessions of previously arrested suspects. It stated that Amaechi resisted arrest, leading to the escalation depicted in the video.
The command emphasized that the situation should have been managed with more discretion and professionalism. The involved officers have been detained for questioning, and they will face an orderly room trial pending the investigation’s results.
The police urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation during the investigation process. They also committed to transparency and promised to provide updates as necessary.
