The Imo State Police Command has demoted Sergeant Anayo Ekezie for assaulting a road traveler with a smoke gunner along the Owerri-Aba Expressway. The Command also reprimanded two Police Inspectors, Ofem Obongha and Obinna Okereke, for failing to properly supervise the incident, which took place on the Owerri-Aba highway.

Police spokesperson for the Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, made the announcement on Wednesday night. According to him, all three officers, who were attached to the Safer Highway unit, were found guilty of violating the Police Force's code of conduct and human rights standards.

He stated that Anayo Ekezie was found guilty and demoted from the rank of Sergeant to Corporal as punishment for his actions, while the two Inspectors were reprimanded for failing to provide proper supervision. 

Okoye said, “The Imo State Police Command, in response to a viral video showing police officers assaulting a man along the Owerri–Aba Road, has identified the officers involved and initiated disciplinary action. The officers are Inspector Ofem Obongha, Inspector Obinna Okereke, and Sergeant Anayo Ekezie, all from the Safer Highway Unit.

“Following a review of the video, the Command conducted an orderly room trial in line with Nigeria Police Force disciplinary procedures. Sergeant Anayo Ekezie was found guilty of using his issued smoke gunner in the assault and has been demoted to the rank of Corporal.

“Inspectors Obongha and Okereke were severely reprimanded for failing to exercise proper supervisory control, which allowed the unprofessional conduct to occur, ” Okoye said.

The Commissioner of Police for Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the actions of the officers, stating that they violated the Force's code of conduct and human rights standards. Danjuma emphasized that there is zero tolerance for police misconduct and assured that appropriate action would be taken against those found guilty.

Additionally, the Imo State Police Command has urged the public to report any incidents of police misconduct through the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), X-Squad unit, or via the contact numbers 08033424051 or 0814 802 4755. They reiterated their commitment to transparency, professionalism, and the protection of citizens' rights.