A Nigerian policeman has been demoted from the rank of Inspector to Sergeant following an orderly room trial. Adejoh Siaka was found guilty of assault, discreditable conduct, and incivility towards members of the public at Emuoha, Rivers State.
The trial was initiated after video evidence of the incident was widely circulated on social media. The footage shows Siaka and two other officers engaging in inappropriate behavior towards members of the public.
Sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari, who was also present at the scene but took no action to discourage the behavior, was reprimanded. Inspector Friday Obaka, who was discovered to have been absent from the scene, was acquitted.
In a statement obtained by News About Nigeria, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that the three officers will be posted out of Rivers State to other Commands and Formations to continue their police duties.
The incident highlights the power of social media in holding law enforcement accountable for their actions. In recent years, video evidence shared on social media has played a critical role in exposing cases of police brutality and sparking calls for justice.
While the use of technology has the potential to improve transparency and accountability in law enforcement, concerns about privacy and accuracy must be considered. The case of Adejoh Siaka serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the fundamental rights of all citizens in line with the provisions of the constitution.
