The incident happened on Sunday along Human Race Road, sparkling public criticism after the video circulated online.
In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, ordered an immediate investigation into the incident to determine exactly what happened.
“Preliminary findings revealed that the four personnel captured in the viral video comprised two police officers attached to the Nekede Divisional Headquarters and two Supernumerary Police Officers,” the statement reads.
“They were conducting an operation at a suspected drug trafficking location along Human Race Road, Nekede, during which two suspects were arrested.
“Substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa were recovered from one suspect, who admitted to selling illicit drugs in the area.”
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Despite the arrests, the police condemned the officers’ actions shown in the video.
“Notwithstanding the outcome of the operation, the Imo State Police Command unequivocally condemns the unprofessional conduct of the personnel as captured in the viral video,” the statement added.
“The manner in which one of the suspects was arrested and forced into the boot of a vehicle is unacceptable, inhumane, and completely not in conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures, Code of Conduct, and professional ethics of the Nigeria Police Force.”
The command said the case has now been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a full and independent investigation.
Henry Okoye said disciplinary action has already begun against the officers, adding that the findings of the investigation will be released after the process is completed.
He also said Commissioner Audu Bosso remains committed to fighting crime while ensuring that police officers carry out their duties professionally and respect the rights and dignity of every citizen.
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