The Cross River State Police Command has detained officers involved in a confrontation with a commercial mini-bus driver in Calabar, pending the outcome of an investigation ordered by the Commissioner of Police.
The action followed the circulation of videos and reports on social media alleging that the driver, Imor Sam, was assaulted with the butt of a rifle after failing to stop at a police stop-and-search point on July 18.
Responding to the incident in a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday, said the officers had been taken into custody to allow for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
According to the command, preliminary findings did not support claims that the driver was struck with a rifle butt.
The police explained that Sam allegedly failed to stop when directed by officers and drove off while a member of the Police Special Constabulary was attempting to search the vehicle.
The command said the officer was dragged for a distance before falling into a gutter, where he reportedly sustained injuries to the mouth, including the loss of a tooth, after he was allegedly punched by the driver.
It added that the driver, in a recorded video statement, denied being struck with a rifle butt. Preliminary findings, the police said, indicated that the injury to his forehead occurred when he fell and hit the concrete edge surrounding a signpost during a struggle near the Atakpa Police Station.
Despite its preliminary findings, the Commissioner of Police directed the immediate detention of all officers involved, stressing that the command would conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“The Command does not condone any form of unprofessional conduct or misuse of force by its personnel. Any officer found culpable at the conclusion of the investigation will be dealt with in accordance with the extant laws,” the statement said.
The command also urged members of the public to refrain from circulating unverified information and allow the investigation to run its course, while reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of the rights and dignity of all citizens.