After denial of the viral video that sparked public outrage, the Akwa Ibom Police Command has returned to discipline three officers found guilty of what it calls ”professional misconduct.”
Recall that on February 1, 2025, some police officers were seen in a viral video of dragging a pregnant woman to the ground over non-possession of Third Party insurance near Itam Flyover in Itu Local Government Area of the state.
Initially, the state PPRO had, in a press statement, disclaimed the video that the woman was lawfully stopped for contravening traffic regulations and without valid third party insurance at Idoro Road by Atiku Abubakar way in Uyo, but she diverted her car to a park in Itam and raised false alarm in which the constabulary officer who arrested her would have been subjected to mob action but for timely intervention of police personnel.
However, a press release signed by DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command on Friday, March 21, said ‘‘The Command, in line with its commitment to discipline, accountability, and respect for citizens’ rights, subjected the officers to an orderly room trial to ensure justice was served.
The officers involved are Inspector Festus James, Inspector Edet Edem and Constable Akpan Lawrence.
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They were charged with Discreditable Conduct, Unlawful and Unnecessary Exercise of Authority.
After a thorough and fair trial, the Adjudicating Officer found them guilty and recommended the following sanctions:
The two Inspectors were reduced in rank to Sergeants.
The Constable was given a major entry and placed on one (1) month extra fatigue duty.’’
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, upon reviewing the proceedings, upheld the judgement and further sent the proceedings to the AIG Zone Six who also upheld the outcome of the proceedings.
The Commissioner of police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command further expressed that the Nigeria Police Force under IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring officers conduct themselves with professionalism.
The Command assures the public that no act of misconduct will be tolerated, and erring officers will always be held accountable. Citizens are encouraged to report any incidents of police misconduct through the Command’s official channels.
