Brutalization of 8 Month Pregnant Woman; Death in Custody: Police Authorities Commence Investigation of Officers.

Brutalization of 8 Month Pregnant Woman; Death in Custody: Police Authorities Commence Investigation of Officers.

Following public outcry over cases of Police misconduct and brutality, Police authorities at both the Police Service Commission (PSC) and Force Headquarters have commenced investigations into the conduct of personnel whose actions led to death, child miscarriage and unwarranted brutalization of innocent citizens.

Towards this end, the PSC has asked the Inspector General of Police to summon all the erring Police officers involve in such misdemeanor to appear before the commission to answer for their gross misconduct.
A statement signed by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Public Relations at the PSC said, “The Commission is looking into three cases of alleged Police misconduct across the country including an alleged brutalization of an eight month pregnant woman at the Satellite Area of Lagos State who was said to have lost her pregnancy due to an alleged Police indiscretion”.
“Others are the death of one Benson Obode who was said to have been arrested in Benin City, Edo State on May 21, 2015, by Policemen and detained in a Police cell where he allegedly died; and a petition from a Human Rights group, ‘Youth Advancement and Leadership Development Initiative (YAALDI)’ over an alleged gruesome murder of a young lady “due to the careless and negligent driving by some men of the Nigeria Mobile Police Force who were on duty and escorting a bullion van”.
It said, “The investigations into these and other alleged Police misconducts in the country are in line with its Constitutional mandate to hold the Police accountable for its conduct or misconduct.
“The Commission has noted several reports from both the Media and the public on allegations of unlawful Police actions and has decided to Institute investigations into these perceived anomalies in the interest of the rule of law, human rights and natural justice. All Police Officers involved in serious cases of misconduct will henceforth appear before the Disciplinary Committee of the Commission.
“Chairman of the Commission, Mike Mbama Okiro, (rtd IGP) has directed that cases of gross Police misconduct should subsequently be treated with dispatch” he added.
“The Chairman has also directed that victims, their relations or counsels should also appear before the Commission with material evidence to substantiate their case”.
“The Commission however appreciates the efforts of members of the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring the security of lives and properties in the country against all odds and by so doing, assisting in deepening the nation’s nascent democracy, but demands that they should strive to operate within the confines of the rule of law and respect for human dignity.”
END.