The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested and detained several police officers accused of assaulting a man and gouging out his right eye during a routine stop in Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Monday morning when the victim, Arinze Eze, was returning from Ishieke to Ohaukwu on his motorcycle.
How the Assault Unfolded
According to police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu, a superintendent of police, the officers flagged down Mr Eze for a routine search. The officers demanded that he hand over his small bag, but Mr Eze insisted that he be searched with the bag still around his neck. One officer, identified only as Kingsley, reportedly attacked him, and other officers joined in. During the assault, an officer struck Mr Eze with the butt of a rifle, severely damaging his eye and forcing the eyeball out of its socket.
Arrest and Investigation
Mr Ukandu stated on Tuesday that the officers involved in the altercation were officially identified and detained. Commissioner of Police Hope Okafor ordered their transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at police headquarters for investigation. “The State CID has commenced a thorough and transparent investigation,” Ukandu said. The police extended their deepest sympathies to Mr Eze, who is currently receiving medical treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
Ukandu emphasized that the Ebonyi police maintain “zero tolerance for brutality, indiscipline or any misconduct that brings the Force into disrepute.” He added, “Any officer found culpable will face strict disciplinary action. We remain committed to protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens.”
Human Rights Group Reacts
The human rights group Human Rights Defenders (HURIDE) condemned the incident. Chairman Sampson Nweke demanded justice for the victim in a statement on Wednesday. “While HURIDE strongly condemns every form of police brutality and continues to demand justice for Mr. Arinze, we also commend the Ebonyi State Police Command for its swift and proactive response. The prompt arrest and transfer of the officers involved demonstrate a commitment to accountability and due process,” Nweke said. HURIDE called for a comprehensive, unbiased, and transparent investigation and demanded that all culpable officers be held accountable according to the law.
Pattern of Police Brutality in Nigeria
Allegations of extortion, brutality, torture, and extrajudicial actions against police operatives are not new in Nigeria. Despite sanctions such as dismissal from service, cases continue. This incident occurred less than two weeks after police in Imo State detained six operatives filmed assaulting a young man. In May, the Nigeria Police Force arrested and detained operatives filmed assaulting passengers in Abia State. In April, police officer Nuhu Usman and three others were filmed publicly shooting a handcuffed man to death in Delta State; they were later dismissed for professional misconduct and abuse of office.
Earlier in April, the Delta State Commissioner of Police ordered the orderly room trial of two officers for using a Point of Sale machine to extort motorists at a police station. In March, police in Anambra State illegally arrested, tortured, and extorted N1.4 million from Nigerians; the money was refunded after public outrage. Also in March, Anambra police arrested and detained six senior officers who allegedly tortured and extorted N200,000 from a trader in Onitsha. In February, three officers were dismissed for kidnapping, extorting N1.7 million, and car snatching in Imo. In January, police operatives shot dead a private motorcyclist in Ebonyi State.
In November 2024, police from the Crack Squad in Abakaliki shot dead a labourer and critically injured three others. A similar incident occurred in Abakaliki in 2018 when a police officer shot and killed a commercial motorcyclist for refusing to pay a N50 bribe. In August 2024, police in Bayelsa State extorted N3 million from a man at gunpoint; the officers were arrested after a petition and later returned the money.
