The Anambra State Police Command has responded to a viral video showing its officers harassing a citizen in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The victim’s wife described how police approached him and demanded his papers. Despite providing all necessary documents, she claims the officers handcuffed and took her husband away, threatening him and calling him a thief. She claimed they demanded N500,000 from him, and out of fear for his life and unsure whether they were police officers or kidnappers, he agreed to give them N200,000, and they took him to a POS operator to withdraw the money.

Reacting in a statement released Monday, March 16, by the Anambra Police PRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, it was promised that no officer implicated in the incident will be shielded by the police force. 

“The Command wishes to inform the public that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Okpoko had already intercepted the complaint and immediately initiated steps to identify the officers involved in the alleged act,” the statement reads. 

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, has directed the DPO to produce the officers concerned for necessary investigation and possible disciplinary action in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Police Force. 

“Preliminary findings to aid the ongoing investigation reveal the following: 

“The DPO had earlier detailed officers to identify the personnel allegedly involved in the act. 

“The money allegedly collected from the victim has been returned which shows serious indictment and unprofessional conduct of the officers. 

“The involvement of the POS operator suggests possible conspiracy in the incident. 

“The Command reiterates that it will not shield any officer found culpable. Appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with established procedures. 

“The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of the rights of all citizens.