The Ebonyi State Police Command has initiated disciplinary action against one of its officers who was caught on video brandishing his service rifle while operating a tricycle business. The viral footage, which sparked widespread condemnation from residents of Abakaliki and social media users, showed the officer engaging in an altercation with passengers.
In a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, the police strongly condemned the officer’s actions, describing them as a violation of the ethics and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the Nigeria Police Force. He assured the public that the officer has been identified and is currently under investigation.
CP Assures Zero Tolerance for Indiscipline
The Commissioner of Police, CP Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya, reiterated the Command’s commitment to maintaining discipline within the force, emphasizing that unprofessional conduct would not be tolerated.
Calls for Stricter Regulations on Officers Carrying Arms
Following the incident, concerned residents have urged the police commissioner to restrict officers from carrying arms while engaging in private businesses. Human rights activist, Comrade Chukwuma Egwu, decried the increasing trend of officers carrying rifles while operating motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke), particularly at night. He also raised concerns over officers taking firearms to drinking joints, warning of potential accidental discharges.
Egwu called for a special task force to enforce regulations, insisting that officers should leave their rifles at the station if they wish to engage in personal activities or leisure. “It’s dangerous to mix arms with non-police activities,” he cautioned.
