Michael Onwuka, Enugu
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the dismissal of PC Liyomo Okoi with Force No. 524503 over gross misconduct.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Ikengaonline reports that Okoi was until his dismissal attached to Ekori Divisional Headquarters, Cross Rivers Police Command.
He was captured in a viral video on July 31, 2022 where he was flogging a man with a machete.
Meanwhile, Adejobi said that his dismissal was with immediate effect.
He said that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba was committed to ensuring ethical regeneration, restoration of professional standard and enhancement of the anti-corruption drive.
He also said that the police boss was dedicated to entrenching human rights-driven policing within the country.
Adejobi said that the police boss was concerned about reports of brutality and extortion leveled against some police officers via various complaint channels available to members of the public.
“The IGP has, therefore, directed all supervising Commissioners of Police and Tactical/Strategic Commanders to ensure strict supervision of their personnel as further incidences of this nature would be viewed strictly.
“The IGP has also ordered a holistic overhauling of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the Special Tactical Squad (STS), and the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) Units.
“This is to ensure that their operations are in tandem with the purpose for their creation, maximum effectiveness and output in line with the mandate of the IGP’s administration and public safety,” he said.
The police spokesperson said that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau (AIG-FIB) had been directed to carry out supervisory role over the three units.
“This is to ensure that their operations are professional, active, productive and do not infringe on the fundamental rights of the citizenry and other members of the public,” he said.
According to Adejobi, the IGP is confident that the overhauling of the various formations will improve the effectiveness of the units, and rid them of negative elements.
