NARTPON decries alleged police brutality in Imo

Six officers undergoing trial, say police

Members of the National Association of Radio and Television Presenters of Nigeria (NARTPON) have decried alleged cases of police brutality in Imo State, calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali, to step in and call the officers and men to order.

Rising from their quarterly meeting, presided over by the president of the body, Jerry Osuji, yesterday, in Owerri, the radio and television presenters flayed the manner police officers search phones of citizens by force, especially youths and students.

Osuji, however, expressed joy that six officers, identified in a recent viral video, using a machete to assault students from Imo State University, Owerri, were promptly arrested and put on orderly room trial.

The Guardian gathered that the police officers are: the team leader, Inspector Amadi Sunday;
Inspector Amajuoji Charles; Sgt. Noachian Chinese; Sgt. Onwuka Emmanuel; Cpl Nzewuodo Goodness and Pc Emmanuel Chmezie.

The President of NARTPON said: “As a responsible body, it would not renege in its social responsibility of checking the environment, focused and poised for greater heights.”

He noted that the body had made some inroads since its inception, informing that its Abia State chapter was recently inaugurated, while Ebonyi and Anambra would join soon.

He expressed delight that the body is working in synergy with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and it was represented during recent civic reception of the congress’ president, Joe Ajaero, in Emekuku, Owerri North Council of Imo State.

Osuji said that the body had reached out to the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) authorities where security and election matters were exhaustively discussed, as they relate to radio and television, among others.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Henry Okoye, stressed that due process must be followed in the alleged case of assault against students by the officers identified in the viral video, who were beating students for not surrendering their phones. Okoye disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had directed orderly room trial of the officers concerned. He urged the public to be calm and go about their legitimate businesses.