Adejoh Siaka, a police officer attached to Rivers state police command has been demoted from the rank of Inspector to Sergeant, following complaints and findings from a video widely circulated on social media on Sunday, April 9. 

The gun-wielding policeman was seen in a viral video hitting a motorist with a stick, after which he followed with two slaps to the victim’s face, while the latter was demanding his offence.

Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi announced his demotion on Tuesday, April 18, after an orderly room trial by the Force Provost Marshal. He said Siaka was sanctioned for assault, discreditable conduct, and incivility to members of the public in the Emuoha area of the oil-rich state.

Sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari, who was also present at the scene but took no steps to discourage the inappropriate action, was reprimanded, while a third officer, Inspector Friday Obaka, who was later discovered to have been absent from the scene, “was discharged unconditionally at the conclusion of the proceedings.”

Adejobi added;

“In all, the three policemen will be posted out of Rivers State to other commands and formations to continue their police duties.

“The Inspector General of Police has, therefore, tasked officers and men of the Force to be diligent and uphold the lofty tenets of professional policing in the discharge of their duties with respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”