Four Police Officers Arrested for Forcing Man into Car Boot

The police in Imo State, South-east Nigeria, have arrested four officers who were seen forcing a man into the boot of their car.

The police spokesman, Henry Okoye, shared this news in a statement on Monday.

A video making rounds on Facebook showed four officers pushing a man into the boot of a car on the street. As the man fought to escape, the officers worked together to shove him inside the boot and locked it.

In the statement on Monday, Okoye, who is a deputy superintendent of police, confirmed that the Imo State police command is aware of what happened.

The incident took place around 9:00 a.m. on Sunday at Human Race Road in Nekede Area of Owerri, the state capital.

After learning about the event, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, ordered an immediate investigation to find out who was involved and what exactly happened.

Okoye said early findings show that two of the officers are from the Nekede Divisional Headquarters and the other two are supernumerary police officers.

They were reportedly on an operation at a suspected drug trafficking spot when they arrested two suspects.

During the operation, officers recovered substances believed to be Cannabis Sativa from one of the suspects, who admitted to selling drugs in the area.

"Despite the outcome of the operation, the Imo State Police Command strongly condemns the unprofessional actions of the personnel shown in the viral video.

The way one suspect was forced into the boot of a vehicle is unacceptable, inhumane, and not in line with the Standard Operating Procedures, Code of Conduct, and professional ethics of the Nigeria Police Force," he stated.

Okoye continued, saying, "As a result, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate detention of the four officers.

The case has been sent to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough and fair investigation, while proper disciplinary actions have begun against the officers involved."

He promised that the public would be informed about the investigation's outcome once it is complete.

The police spokesman also reassured the residents of Imo State of the police command’s commitment to fighting crime.

He emphasized that all police operations are carried out "professionally, lawfully, and with respect for the rights and dignity of everyone."