Police probe officers for manhandling suspected drug dealer

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Imo Police Command has detained four policemen in response to a viral video showing a conflict during the arrest of a young man accused of drug trafficking.

In the video, a man identified as Prince Amaechi, 32, was handcuffed with a two-month-old baby in his arms.

The incident happened on Tuesday, September 16, 2024, at Ovoro-Uzomiri Umuosu, Naze in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.

The officers of the Command’s Anti-Narcotics Unit according to the State Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye on Saturday were identified as Sgt Patrick Nwangbo, Cpl God’swill Okechukwu, Cpl Justice Nnorom, and Cpl Goodluck Iwuagwu.

Okoye stated that the officers were executing an arrest warrant for Amaechi, linked to conspiracy and drug trafficking.

He added “The situation should have been handled with greater discretion and professionalism.

“The operatives involved have been apprehended for interrogation, and the Commissioner of Police has directed the case to be transferred to the IGP X-Squad Imo State Command for thorough investigation. The officers will also face an orderly room trial pending the outcome of the investigation.

“The Imo State Police Command is dedicated to transparency and will provide updates as appropriate to keep the members of the public informed.”

He urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation.