Plateau: Police officer arrested over businessman shooting

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a police officer for allegedly shooting an unarmed businessman at a checkpoint in Riyom Local Government Area of the state.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said in a statement that the incident occurred on August 11 when the victim was stopped at a checkpoint while conveying vegetables to the South-East.

Alabo, who identified the businessman as Danladi, who moves goods with his van, also confirmed that the officer had been disarmed and taken into custody.

He said the DPO in charge of the Riyom Division immediately went to the checkpoint upon receiving the information, disarmed the officer and took him to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for interrogation.

He said, “When the DPO, Riyom Division got the information he immediately mobilised his men, disarmed the officer and also took him immediately to the State CID, where he is currently undergoing questioning and a disciplinary process.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed the DPO to visit the hospital where the victim is receiving treatment and provide feedback on his condition.

The PPRO added that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting was ongoing, assuring the public that the command would provide updates as the process progresses.

“The officer is with us, he is in custody at the State CID. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.

Alabo appealed to members of the public to avoid confrontations with armed security personnel whenever disagreements occur.

He urged them to use established complaint channels to report alleged misconduct by any officer on duty.