Edo State Police Detains Sergeant for Assaulting Woman at Police Station

Edo State Police Detains Sergeant for Assaulting Woman at Police Station

In a shocking incident, a police sergeant named Samuel Imakor has been arrested and detained by the Edo State Police Command for slapping a woman, Mercy Ajayi, at a police station. The arrest and detention were confirmed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, in a statement released on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the Edo State Police Command became aware of a video circulating on social media showing a young woman being slapped by a police officer at a police station. The officer in question has been identified as Police Sergeant Samuel Imakor, attached to the Iruekpen Police Station in Edo State.

Following his arrest, Sgt. Imakor was brought before the Commissioner of Police, CP Funsho Adegboye, on Monday, February 11, 2024, for debriefing. During the debriefing, the police sergeant confessed to slapping the young woman, Mercy Ajayi. However, he claimed that she had initially slapped him in the vehicle during her arrest. He further stated that Ajayi was arrested in connection with the theft of human hair from a hotel department.

In response to the incident, CP Funsho Adegboye ordered the immediate disciplinary procedure known as an orderly room trial to be set up against Sgt. Imakor by the Command’s Provost Marshal.

The Nigerian Police Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, condemned the act and highlighted that police officers are not trained to use physical force such as slapping or flogging individuals. Adejobi emphasized that the police have the necessary equipment and tools to apply minimum force as described by the law, and such force should only be used when absolutely necessary.

This incident comes in the wake of another incident where officers from the Ebonyi State Police Command were caught on camera beating several men. The Ebonyi State Police Command has also condemned the behavior of its officers and initiated an investigation into the incident. The command has assured the public that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any officers found to be involved.

The Edo State Police Command’s swift response in arresting and detaining Sgt. Samuel Imakor demonstrates its commitment to holding officers accountable for their actions. Such incidents of police misconduct undermine public trust and the reputation of the police force. It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to maintain professionalism, adhere to the principles of human rights, and treat all individuals with respect and dignity.

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