Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Ebonyi State Police Command has detained some officers attached to the Ohaukwu Police Division following the alleged assault of a civilian in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday, gained widespread attention when photographs of the victim surfaced on social media, triggering public outrage and calls for accountability.
A post shared on X by user @martins_nwede alleged that an officer identified as Kingsley Esheya was responsible for the attack and urged authorities to ensure those involved were sanctioned.
Responding to the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the officers linked to the incident had been identified, detained and moved to the state command headquarters on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Hope Okafor.
The command said the victim is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, while assuring residents that the investigation would be conducted transparently and in accordance with due process.
Ukandu disclosed that the Commissioner also ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a comprehensive probe into the matter.
“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.
It added that any disciplinary measures would be based on the findings of the investigation, reiterating its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The police also reaffirmed their zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and brutality by officers.
