Adejoh Siaka, a Rivers State police officer, has been demoted from Inspector to Sergeant following complaints and findings from a video widely circulated on social media on Sunday, April 9.
Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, revealed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying Siaka was sanctioned for assault, discreditable conduct, and incivility to members of the public in the oil-rich state’s Emuoha area.
The police also reprimanded a second officer, Sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari, who was present at the scene but did nothing to discourage the inappropriate behavior, and acquitted a third officer, Inspector Friday Obaka, who was later discovered to be absent from the scene.
According to Adejobi, Siaka’s demotion followed an orderly room trial of the affected police officers by the Force Provost Marshal.
“Similarly, one Sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari, who was also present at the scene but took no steps to discourage such inappropriate and shameful act, was severely reprimanded,” he said.
“However, at the conclusion of the proceedings, one Inspector Friday Obaka, who was later discovered to have been absent from the scene of the skirmish, was unconditionally discharged.”
“In total, the three policemen will be assigned to other Commands and Formations outside of Rivers State to continue their police duties.”
“As a result, the Inspector General of Police has charged officers and men of the Force with being diligent and upholding the lofty tenets of professional policing in the discharge of their duties with respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
