The Nigerian Police have sanctioned officers seen in a viral video assaulting an unidentified man and woman in Rivers State.

While one of the officers, Adejoh Siaka, got his rank reduced from Inspector to Sergeant, another officer, Sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari, who was also present at the scene, was severely reprimanded.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, copy of which was posted on his social media handles.

It would be recalled that in a viral video clip, a police officer (Siaka) holding his rifle is seen beating a man with a cane and slapping him, while another officer (Kpuebari) is filmed pushing a lady into a car.

Adejobi had replied to the incident saying, “These men have been arrested and their commander will personally bring them to the Force Headquarters for further actions.”

He further condemned the action of the policeman describing it as unfortunate.

But in a statement on Tuesday, titled: ‘Assault on public: police derank one, another severely reprimanded’ Adejobi noted that the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, tasked officers with professionalism and respect for fundamental rights.

It reads: “Subsequent to complaints and findings on video evidence widely circulated on Sunday 9th April, 2023 on social media of assault, discreditable conduct, and incivility to members of the public, at Emouha, Rivers State, and a follow-up orderly room trial of the affected policemen by the Force Provost Marshal, one Adejoh Siaka has been reduced in rank from Inspector to Sergeant.

“Similarly, one Sergeant Ndiwa Kpuebari who was also present at the scene but took no steps to discourage such an inappropriate and shameful act was severely reprimanded.

“However, one Inspector Friday Obaka, who was later discovered to have been absent from the scene of the skirmish was discharged unconditionally at the conclusion of the proceedings.

“In all, the three Policemen will be posted out of Rivers State to other Commands and Formations to continue their police duties.

“The Inspector General of Police has therefore tasked officers and men of the Force to be diligent and uphold the lofty tenets of professional policing in the discharge of their duties with respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”