Ebonyi: Police arrest officers for gouging man’s eye

From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested some of its officers for allegedly assaulting a man, Arinze Eze, resulting in an injury that affected one of his eyes.

Eze and the policemen reportedly had an altercation in Ishieke, Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state, while he was returning to his hometown, Ngbo, in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, when the incident occurred.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, who confirmed the incident, said the policemen involved in the alleged brutality had been identified and arrested.

He said the policemen would be subjected to the appropriate disciplinary procedures in accordance with the outcome of the investigation.

“The Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command has identified the police officers involved in an altercation with a civilian in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

“Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, immediately directed that the officers be transferred to the Command Headquarters.

“She also ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to commence a thorough investigation into the incident.

“The officers have since been detained and will be subjected to the appropriate disciplinary procedures in accordance with the outcome of the investigation.

“The Command has expressed sympathy to the victim, who is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, and assures the public that the matter will be investigated thoroughly, transparently, and without bias.

“Ebonyi State Police Command remains committed to upholding professionalism, accountability, and respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens.

“It reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on brutality and all forms of misconduct capable of bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute. Any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary action in line with established regulations,” Ukandu said.