The Delta State Police Command has taken into custody the officers responsible for shooting a vigilante leader in the Idjerhe kingdom of Ethiope West Local Government Area.
DSP Bright Edafe, the state Police Public Relations Officer, expressed strong disapproval of the officers’ actions in a statement released on Saturday in Asaba, the state capital.
He said, “The command is aware of a publication making rounds in some sections of the media of an alleged shooting by policemen at Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West LGA.
“The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to commence a full-scale investigation into the incident, and the officers involved have been identified and detained, while an internal disciplinary action has been initiated.
“The CP wishes to reiterate that it’s not in the character of the command to trample on the rights of citizens, assault, or use their rifles without recourse to Force Order 237.”
The Chief of Police guaranteed the public that the officers in question would face severe consequences, in accordance with the existing laws outlined in the Police Act and regulations, in order to discourage similar behavior.
The police chief emphasized that such actions by members of the command would not be accepted during his tenure.
In order to ensure the rights of all citizens are protected, he has instructed officers and personnel to uphold the principles of professional policing as outlined in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). He hopes that the disciplinary actions taken against the offending officers will serve as a deterrent to others.
He made an appeal to the public, particularly the people of Idjerhe Kingdom and the families of the injured vigilantes who are currently receiving medical treatment, to remain calm and assure them that justice will be served.
During a stop-and-search operation conducted by the state police command on Thursday, a suspected armed robber was apprehended.
According to CP Olufemi, the officers recovered a homemade firearm and two live cartridges from the suspect.
