The Abia State Police Command has arrested officers captured in a viral video allegedly harassing and assaulting a commuter for carrying three mobile phones in Uturu, Abia State.
The incident, which quickly spread across social media, triggered outrage after the officers were seen confronting the young man aggressively while attempting to seize his phones during a heated roadside encounter.
In the trending clip, one of the officers questioned the commuter aggressively, saying, “Oga, these phones you are with here, you are holding three phones, who is the owner of these phones?”
Another officer then asked him in Pidgin English, “You dey record am?”
The commuter calmly responded, “Yes, I am recording it.”
However, the officer replied, “I’m not afraid of the recording.”
The situation later became tense after the commuter demanded to know the identities of the officers involved.
“Where is your name?” the visibly upset commuter repeatedly asked while trying to resist attempts to collect his phones.
Meanwhile, the officers were seen struggling physically with him as passersby watched the confrontation unfold.
During the exchange, the commuter warned the officers that he would report the matter to higher authorities.
“I will call the IGP here,” he said.
Responding immediately, one of the officers stated, “I did not say you should not call anybody. Give me that phone.”
Furthermore, the commuter continued questioning their actions.
“Where are your name tags? I don’t know who is holding me! I don’t know what is your problem. Why are you holding me?” he asked.
Following widespread criticism online, the Abia State Police Command confirmed that the officers involved had been identified and arrested.
In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the command disclosed that disciplinary procedures had already started.
“The Abia State Police Command is aware of the trending video on social media 9/05/2026, depicting Police misconduct at Uturu, Abia State,” the statement said.
“Following the incident, an investigation immediately commenced. The complainant was contacted, and the officers involved were identified, traced, and promptly arrested.”
In addition, the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the officers for possible disciplinary action.
“The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, has ordered the investigation of the affected officers at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for appropriate administrative action,” the statement added.
The command also assured residents that updates would be provided after investigations are concluded.
For years, many Nigerians and civil society groups have complained about young people being targeted for carrying phones, laptops, and other gadgets.
However, the police command insisted that misconduct and abuse of power would not be tolerated.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command’s firm commitment to professionalism, discipline, and civility to the members of the public while discharging her lawful duties,” the statement noted.
“He also warned that impunity and all forms of misconduct will not be tolerated in line with the Inspector General of Police mandate to ensure a friendly and Human Right compliance Police Force in the country.”
