Police arrest officers for allegedly injuring a man and removing his eye

The police in Ebonyi State have arrested some officers who allegedly attacked a man and removed his right eye.

Joshua Ukandu, the police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, shared this news in a statement on Tuesday.

What happened

Reports say the incident took place on Monday morning in Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

The victim, Arinze Eze, was returning from Ishieke to Ohaukwu on his motorcycle when the officers stopped him for a routine check.

The officers asked Mr Eze to give them his small bag, but he refused. He insisted they search him while he kept the bag on his neck.

One officer, who goes by the name Kingsley, then attacked him, and others joined in the beating.

In the struggle, one officer hit the victim with the butt of his rifle. This badly injured his eye, causing it to pop out of its socket.

Detaining the officers

Superintendent Joshua Ukandu said in the Tuesday statement that the officers involved in the fight with the victim were later identified and detained.

He mentioned that the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, Hope Okafor, has ordered the officers to be moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

"The State CID has started a thorough and open investigation," he said.

Ukandu expressed the police's deepest sympathies to Mr Eze. He added that the victim is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, the state capital.

The spokesperson affirmed that the police in Ebonyi State have zero tolerance for brutality, indiscipline, or any wrongdoing that tarnishes the Force's image.

"Any officer found guilty will face strict punishment. We are committed to protecting the rights of all citizens," he said.

Response from a group

A human rights group, Human Rights Defenders (HURIDE), has condemned what happened.

On Wednesday, HURIDE's Chairman, Sampson Nweke, called for justice for the victim.

"While HURIDE strongly condemns all forms of police brutality and demands justice for Mr. Arinze, we also commend the Ebonyi State Police Command for their quick response.

"The fast arrest and transfer of the officers show a commitment to accountability and due process," he stated.

"HURIDE calls for a fair, unbiased, and open investigation and demands that all those found responsible be punished according to the law."