Imo Police Demote Sergeant, Reprimand Two Others Over Assault Case

The Imo State Police Command has demoted Sergeant Anayo Ekezie to the rank of corporal following his involvement in the assault of a civilian along the Owerri-Aba Road, an incident that gained widespread attention after being captured in a viral video.

Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye confirmed the development on Wednesday night. He stated that three officers from the Safer Highway Unit—Inspector Ofem Obongha, Inspector Obinna Okereke, and Sergeant Ekezie—were identified in the video and subsequently subjected to an orderly room trial.

The trial found Sergeant Ekezie guilty of misconduct for using his assigned smoke gunner in the assault, resulting in his demotion. Inspectors Obongha and Okereke were issued severe reprimands for failing in their supervisory roles, which allowed the unprofessional conduct to occur.

Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, strongly condemned the incident, labeling the officers’ actions as a breach of both the Nigeria Police Force Code of Conduct and fundamental human rights. He reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct and assured the public that any officer found guilty of such behavior will face appropriate disciplinary action.