A disturbing case of police brutality has rocked Asaba, Delta State’s capital, following the circulation of a viral video showing uniformed policemen physically assaulting a young man near the Asaba Specialist Hospital.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 27, 2025, has drawn widespread condemnation from civil rights groups and outraged members of the public.
In swift response, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has condemned the officers’ actions, describing them as unprofessional and contrary to the values of the Nigeria Police Force.
He has ordered the immediate detention of all officers involved, pending the commencement of their orderly room trial.
Additionally, their team leader, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), has been formally queried.
In an official statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, the Command acknowledged awareness of the video and assured the public that disciplinary measures are already underway.
“The Command is aware of a publication circulating on X and other social media channels regarding the unprofessional conduct of some policemen within the Command.
The officers have been identified, detained, and will face disciplinary action in accordance with the Police Act and regulations,” the statement read.
CP Abaniwonda emphasized that such conduct is not representative of the Delta State Police Command, pledging that justice will be served and that those responsible will be held accountable.
“It is not in the character of this Command to trample on the rights of citizens or harass the public. Under my watch, such behavior will not be tolerated,” the Commissioner warned.
The police chief further called on officers to uphold professional standards and respect the fundamental human rights of Nigerians as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He expressed hope that the disciplinary action would serve as a deterrent to other officers who might be tempted to abuse their authority.
While the response from the Command has been relatively prompt, critics argue it underscores deeper systemic issues within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in how some officers continue to flout professional ethics and human rights standards with impunity.
Human rights advocates and civil society organizations have urged the Command to go beyond disciplinary procedures and ensure full transparency in the outcome of the investigation.
They are also calling for compensation and a public apology to the victim, whose identity remains undisclosed.
As public outrage grows, CP Abaniwonda has appealed for calm, encouraging citizens to report cases of abuse or misconduct via dedicated police hotlines and verified social media handles.
Public Complaint Channels:
📱 Twitter: @DeltaPoliceNg
📷 Instagram: @pprodelta
📘 Facebook: Nigeria Police Force, Delta State
🕊️ PPRO on X (formerly Twitter): @Brightgoldenboy
As the police command proceeds with internal disciplinary processes, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether justice is served swiftly and transparently, not just for the victim, but to reinforce public trust in law enforcement across the state.
