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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Former Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike, has accused policemen and officials of the Imo State Waste Management Agency of invading his hospital in Owerri, assaulting patients and staff, and arresting workers.
The Imo State Police Command has ordered an investigation into the October 21 incident, confirming that three hospital workers arrested over alleged violations of the state’s waste management laws have been released.
Emenike, a member of Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, said the incident left patients and workers traumatised, lamenting that a hospital established to provide care and hope had become a place of fear.
In a post on his social media handle, the former international alleged that people identified as officials of the waste management agency entered the premises, assaulted staff and patients, and took away the hospital administrator and cashier.
He alleged that armed policemen from Oji Police Station participated in the operation, which came weeks after an earlier incident at the facility.
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According to him, police officers had entered the hospital on September 25 on the orders of the Divisional Police Officer, Owerri Urban Division.
Emenike, who established the hospital after his football career in Europe, expressed concern over the effect of the incidents on patients seeking treatment and workers attending to them.
Responding, the police command’s spokesperson, Okoye Henry, said the command was aware of CCTV footage circulating on social media showing waste management officials and police officers at Emenike Hospital.
Henry said three workers were arrested over alleged breaches of the state’s waste management laws, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, had directed a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding their arrest and the roles of the officers involved.
“The Command reiterates its commitment to professionalism, discipline, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. Any police officer found to have acted unlawfully or engaged in misconduct will face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures,” the statement said.
The command urged the public to remain calm, assuring that the matter would be handled fairly and in accordance with the law.
