The Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso, has ordered an immediate investigation after a video circulating on social media showed four security personnel forcing a young man into the boot of a vehicle at Human Race Road, Nekede.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 09:00 am on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
A human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu had identified the victim as Princewill Chimaobi in a Monday post on Facebook.
He added that the police officers involved were attached to the Ihiagwa Divisional Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
In a Tuesday statement, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Imo, DSP Henry Okoye said the investigation was to identify the personnel involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the statement, preliminary findings revealed that the four personnel captured in the viral video comprised two police officers attached to the Nekede Divisional Headquarters and two Supernumerary Police Officers.
“They were conducting an operation at a suspected drug trafficking location along Human Race Road, Nekede, during which two suspects were arrested.
“Substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa were recovered from one suspect, who admitted to selling illicit drugs in the area.
“Notwithstanding the outcome of the operation, the Imo State Police Command unequivocally condemns the unprofessional conduct of the personnel as captured in the viral video,” the statement reads in part.
The command said the manner in which one of the suspects was arrested and forced into the boot of a vehicle was unacceptable, inhumane, and completely not in conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures, Code of Conduct, and professional ethics of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate detention of the four officers.
“The case has been referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a detailed and impartial investigation, while appropriate disciplinary procedures have commenced against the erring officers.
“The outcome of the investigation will be made public upon completion,” the statement further reads.
The CP reassured residents of the command’s commitment to combating crime while ensuring that all policing operations were conducted professionally, lawfully, and with due respect for the rights and dignity of every individual.
(The Sun)
