The Imo State Police Command has arrested four of its personnel following the circulation of a viral video showing a young man being forced into the boot of a police vehicle during an operation along Human Race Road in the Nekede area of the state.
The incident, which reportedly occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 2, sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the officers’ conduct and calling for disciplinary action.
Confirming the development, the Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said the officers seen in the video have been taken into custody pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
According to him, preliminary findings revealed that the personnel involved comprised two police officers attached to the Nekede Divisional Headquarters and two Supernumerary Police Officers.
Okoye explained that the team was carrying out an operation at a location suspected to be used for drug trafficking along Human Race Road when they arrested two suspects.
He stated that a search conducted during the operation allegedly led to the recovery of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa from one of the suspects, who reportedly admitted to engaging in the sale of illicit drugs within the area.
Despite the reported recovery, the police spokesperson stressed that the manner in which the arrest was carried out was unacceptable and fell far below the professional standards expected of officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Imo State Police Command unequivocally condemns the unprofessional conduct of the personnel as captured in the viral video. The manner in which one of the suspects was arrested and forced into the boot of a vehicle is unacceptable, inhumane, and completely not in conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures, Code of Conduct, and professional ethics of the Nigeria Police Force,” Okoye said.
He added that the Command remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights, assuring the public that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken if the officers are found to have violated police regulations.
The Command also reiterated that while it remains resolute in its efforts to combat crime and illegal drug activities across the state, all operations must be conducted in accordance with the law and with full respect for human dignity.
The viral footage has continued to generate reactions from Nigerians, with many calling for greater accountability within the police force and urging security agencies to ensure that suspects are treated humanely regardless of the allegations against them.
The arrest of the four officers is seen as part of ongoing efforts by the police leadership to enforce discipline within the Force and restore public confidence by addressing cases of misconduct involving its personnel.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and the Imo State Police Command has assured members of the public that the outcome will be made known in line with established disciplinary procedures.
