The Delta State Police Command has arrested six of its officers over an alleged assault on a young man near the Asaba Specialist Hospital, drawing swift reaction from the Command’s leadership and public condemnation on social media.
The incident, which reportedly took place on Sunday, 27th July 2025, was captured on video and widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter) and other social media platforms. The footage showed several policemen assaulting an unidentified young man, prompting outrage from the public and civil rights groups.
In a statement released to journalists, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Bright Edafe, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, had ordered the immediate identification and arrest of all officers involved.
“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. On receipt of the video, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, immediately ordered that the policemen be identified and brought before the command headquarters for immediate disciplinary action,” the statement read.
According to SP Edafe, all six officers implicated in the assault have now been identified and are currently in detention, awaiting the commencement of their orderly room trial — a disciplinary process within the police service. The team leader, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), has also been issued a formal query.
CP Abaniwonda condemned the actions of the officers, stating that such behaviour is entirely contrary to the values of the Delta State Police Command. He assured the public that the matter would be treated with the seriousness it deserves, in line with the provisions of the Police Act and regulations.
“Under my watch, such conduct will not be tolerated,” he declared. “The officers concerned will be decisively dealt with to serve as a deterrent to others.”
He further urged all personnel under the Command to adhere strictly to professional standards and to respect the fundamental human rights of all citizens, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The Commissioner appealed to members of the public to remain calm and assured them that justice would prevail in the case.
This latest incident underscores ongoing concerns over police brutality in Nigeria, despite ongoing reforms and public awareness campaigns encouraging professionalism and accountability within the force.
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