- Safiu Kehinde
The Ekiti State Police Command has identified and arrested the three policemen captured in a viral video brutalising a motorcyclist in front of Osi-Ekiti Outpost station in Ido-Osi Local Government Area.
As seen in the video shared on X on Monday, the officers dragged the motorcyclist towards the station.
One of the officers struck the man with his baton in the head which saw him collapsing under the grip of the officers.
He was dragged up again despite his plea.
Reacting in a statement issued on Monday in Ado-Ekiti by its spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, the command confirmed the arrest of the officers.
Abutu said the officers are currently under investigation.
According to him, the command condemn the unprofessional conduct of the policemen.
He explained that the victim identified as Damilola Oluwaseun, was intercepted by the officers while riding an unregistered motorcycle without valid papers.
Abutu explained that the motorcycle was impounded and the rider was asked to go and bring the papers since he claimed he left them at home.
“This did not go down well with him and became unruly and violent, insulted and assaulted one of the officers.
“The officers lost their cool and descended on the suspect as seen in the viral video.
“Unfortunately, the part of the incident where the officer was assaulted by the suspect was never captured,” the command’s spokesperson said.
He said that the command would not support any form of human rights abuse and therefore, frowns at the violent and unprofessional conduct of the officers.
“The State Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo has directed that the incident be thoroughly investigated, officers defaulted and made to undergo disciplinary actions.
“The CP assured the residents that justice would be served in the incident,” Abutu said.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to respect human rights and provide maximum security for all residents.