Some Nigerians have reacted over a report that the policeman who assaulted a man in Rivers State has been demoted.
Adejoh Siaka, a police inspector was demoted to Sergeant, following complaints and findings from video evidence widely circulated on Sunday, April 9, 2023, on social media.
He was sanctioned for assault, discreditable conduct, and incivility to members of the public at Emuoha community in Rivers State, south south region of Nigeria.
Siaka’s demotion is said to have followed an orderly room trial by the Force Provost Marshal.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Tuesday in a statement obtained by PUNCH said one Sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari, who was also present at the scene but took no step to discourage such inappropriate and shameful act was severely reprimanded.
Also, It was gathered that the third officer, Inspector Friday Obaka, who was later discovered to have been absent from the scene, was discharged unconditionally.
Apart from getting sanctioned for their unprofessional conduct, it was also reported that the three policemen will be posted out of Rivers State to other Commands and Formations to continue their police duties.
But this was not all, as Nigerians have also said that demoting him and his colleagues may not stop them from harassing other Nigerians out of jealousy.
@Fela to mobile punch tweeter handle “demoting him won’t stop him and his colleagues from harassing any young male they see that looks good, this same officer has done so many evil in the name of being a police officer. ”
“When you are harassed by them they tell you not even Nigeria Governmment can save you, that they are cultists that they would kill you and nothing would happen. Such people should be sent to jail and not just demoting them. We know wetin these men de do is for Ph.” He said.
@OBOYLO, “this is a good one, but he will still do it out of frustration, letting him go would have been better, make e pain am well well.”
Also, @dr ezebuiroh victor, Domote? Never let the guy wield a gun, ever! Next the chap will commit murder and get a way with it. ”
However, the Inspector General of Police was reported to have tasked officers and men of the police to be diligent and uphold the lofty tenets of professional policing in the discharge of their duties with respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).