A police inspector who allegedly shot a boy in the leg and abdomen in Ughelli, Delta State, has been detained, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, has said.
Sharing a photo of the errant policeman, Edafe disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, ordered his arrest.
The Delta police spokesman appealed to the public to remain calm, adding that the commissioner has promised to ensure justice is served.
An X user, @GlofameConcepts, shared in a viral tweet that a policeman on stop-and-search duty on the East-West Road around Ughelli “opened fire on a boy”.
He said that the bullet hit the boy in the leg and abdomen.
Calling the Delta PPRO’s attention, the X user also shared photos and videos of the incident.
Operative of the Nigeria Police Force on stop and check along east west road Ughelli, has allegedly open fire on a boy, with bullet hitting his leg and abdomen….. @Brightgoldenboy no go see this one…….💔💔💔……una no go check the wolfs wey una give uniform and gun 💔 pic.twitter.com/K9RRQ3SNWt
— GLOFAME® (@GlofameConcepts) December 5, 2023
Reacting, Edafe said that the command was aware of the incident and the suspect had been detained while the survivor was receiving treatment.
“The Nigeria Police Force does not and will never tolerate unprofessional conduct from any personnel.
“On this premise, The Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass ordered the immediate detention of the erring Police Inspector.
“The injured victim is being treated.
“Meanwhile, The CP urges members of the public to remain calm, as he guarantees justice,” Edafe said.