The Gombe State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the alleged assault of a police inspector, Ibrahim Musa, by an Area Commander, ACP Alex Gwaza.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the investigation, saying the Commissioner of Police had directed the Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a full and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Abdullahi said the command was aware of the allegations but noted that the two officers had presented different accounts of what happened.
According to the police spokesperson, Inspector Musa alleged that he was beaten after being detained for two days over what the Area Commander considered disobedience to an official directive.
Abdullahi confirmed that the alleged disciplinary issue involved an order reportedly issued by ACP Gwaza, which the inspector was accused of failing to follow.
“The inspector disobeyed his order. He gave some directives and the inspector decided to flout them,” the police spokesperson said.
However, the police have not made any finding that ACP Gwaza assaulted Musa. Abdullahi stressed that the conflicting accounts would have to be examined before the circumstances of the incident could be established.
“There are different claims from both the inspector and the officer. It is only a thorough investigation that will clear this,” he said.
The spokesperson also said disciplinary measures against police officers must be carried out in accordance with due process.
He declined to comment on specific allegations against the Area Commander while the investigation is ongoing, saying doing so could prejudice the inquiry.
The Commissioner of Police has therefore tasked the CID with determining what transpired between the two officers and whether any misconduct occurred.
Abdullahi said the command expects the investigation to provide further details on the incident, adding that the police would establish the facts based on the outcome of the inquiry.
The investigation comes amid concerns over the treatment of Inspector Musa and the circumstances surrounding his reported detention.
Until the CID concludes its inquiry, the allegation against ACP Gwaza remains unproven, while both officers are expected to have the opportunity to present their respective accounts of the incident.