The Abia State Police Command has arrested officers seen in a viral video allegedly assaulting a commuter in Uturu over his possession of three mobile phones.
The incident, which triggered widespread outrage on social media, showed armed police officers confronting the commuter and attempting to seize his phones during a heated exchange.
In the video, one of the officers questioned the commuter about ownership of the devices, while another asked if he was recording the encounter. The commuter confirmed he was filming, prompting further tension between both parties.
As the situation escalated, the commuter demanded to see the officers’ name tags and questioned why he was being physically restrained.
The confrontation later turned physical, with officers seen struggling to take the phones from him as he resisted and threatened to report the matter to the Inspector General of Police.
The incident has drawn renewed criticism over alleged unlawful profiling, harassment, and intimidation by some police officers, particularly against young Nigerians carrying phones and other electronic devices.
Reacting to the incident, the Abia State Police Command confirmed that the officers involved had been identified and taken into custody.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the police said an immediate investigation was launched after the video surfaced online.
According to the statement, the complainant was contacted, while the officers were traced and arrested.
The Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, has reportedly directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the officers and determine appropriate disciplinary action.
The command also reiterated its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in line with ongoing police reform efforts.
Police authorities warned that misconduct and abuse of power would not be tolerated, stressing their intention to uphold accountability within the force.
The incident has once again brought attention to longstanding public concerns over police profiling and harassment, especially involving citizens carrying electronic gadgets under the pretext of cybercrime enforcement.
Rights groups and civil society organisations have repeatedly called for stronger police reforms and improved accountability to curb such incidents across the country.