Viral video: C’River police launch probe as personnel clash with council chairman

The Cross River State Police Command has launched an investigation into a viral video showing an altercation between operatives of its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Chairman of Calabar Municipality, Apostle James Koko Anam.

In the video circulating on social media, the council chairman is seen in a heated exchange with police operatives at a stop-and-search point within Calabar metropolis.

One of the officers is heard appearing to threaten the chairman, saying “armed robbers” would soon visit him, a remark that has sparked outrage on social media.

In a statement on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the state command is aware of the video and has commenced a probe.

According to the statement, preliminary information indicates the incident occurred about three weeks ago during a VCRU stop-and-search operation at an undisclosed location in Calabar, but the full circumstances have not been established.

The command spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has therefore directed a discreet and impartial investigation to establish the facts, circumstances and conduct of all persons involved.

“In furtherance of the investigation, the Command has commenced the process of inviting Apostle (Rt. Hon.) James Koko Anam, Chairman, Calabar Municipality Local Government Council, as well as the concerned VCRU operatives, to provide their respective accounts of the incident,” Akata said.

The command assured that the investigation would be professional and objective, and that any misconduct established would be dealt with in accordance with extant laws and police regulations.

It urged the public to refrain from drawing conclusions from the circulating clip, which may not contain the full context, and to allow investigation to run its course.