Olukayode Egbetokun, acting inspector-general of police (IGP), has disbanded the police team that ran over a man in Edo state.
Last Thursday, some police officers used a Sienna vehicle to run over a handcuffed man lying on the ground and writhing in pains, in Ekpoma, a town in Edo.
The victim was handcuffed by a team of officers attached to the Ekpoma police division over his refusal to allow them go through his mobile phones.
The incident sparked outrage on social media.
Policemen who drove over man with their patrol vehicle in Ekpoma
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made the directive of Egbetokun public in a statement.
In the statement on Thursday, Adejobi said: “In a bold move to address the unprofessional conduct of some Police Officers attached to the Edo State Police Command who were responsible for running over a citizen at Ekpoma, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has taken the decisive action of disbanding the team forthwith.
“This step aims to regularize and standardize police operations in the axis; and restore public trust in the Police Force.
“Additionally, the operatives involved are currently facing disciplinary charges and administrative procedures.
“This move underscores the commitment of the IGP to hold officers accountable for their actions which will never be tolerated in the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates his commitment to ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, while urging members of the public to always cooperate with Police Officers in the discharge of their statutory duties.”
