The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, Miller Dantawaye, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ushafa Division following a viral video showing him slapping a young man during an arrest.
The incident, which sparked outrage after footage of the officer assaulting citizens surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday.
The clip drew widespread criticism from Nigerians who condemned the act as unprofessional and abusive.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the commissioner described the officer’s action as unacceptable and contrary to the ethics of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns the officer’s actions, which fall short of the high standards of discipline, civility, and professionalism expected of police officers,” the statement read.
Adeh added that the officer had been redeployed to the headquarters pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into the incident.
“Consequently, the officer has been redeployed, and the situation is currently under investigation,” she said.
According to the statement, the commissioner warned all Divisional Police Officers and their subordinates to remain professional and courteous while performing their duties, stressing that any act of misconduct or abuse of power would attract strict disciplinary action.
“While administrative disciplinary steps are being taken, CP Dantawaye reminds all DPOs and their subordinates that they must remain professional, courteous, and law-abiding in the discharge of their duties.
“He warns that any act of misconduct or abuse of power will attract severe sanctions,” the statement added.
The police chief also urged residents to maintain mutual respect and cooperation with law enforcement officers to strengthen public safety and community policing efforts in the FCT.
“Mutual respect and cooperation are essential for effective community policing and public safety,” the CP stated.
The FCT Police Command further encouraged residents to report suspicious activities or misconduct.
Similarly, PUNCH Online had reported that the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Adebowale Lawal, ordered the immediate redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer, Enu-Owa Division, over alleged unprofessional conduct in the handling of a case involving social media influencer, Adefolarin Ayomiposi, popularly known as Mandykiss.
The decision followed he circulation of a video showing the influencer filming a mother and daughter she arrested.
In the video that went viral over the weekend, Mandykiss was seen insulting both mother and daughter, claiming she travelled to Ondo State to get them arrested after they’d been trolling her nonstop online.
Another video shows when they were in police custody at the Enu-Owa Division in Ondo State, and Mandykiss taking snapshots of the suspects.
In June, PUNCH Online also reported that the FCT Police Command launched an investigation into a viral video showing suspected police operatives allegedly harassing an individual.
At the time, the incident occurred during a routine patrol around the Chikakore Bridge area.
According to Adeh, the officers had noticed a vehicle parked suspiciously for over 20 minutes along the FO1–Chikakore Road and approached it for inspection.
“Upon approaching the vehicle, officers found two male occupants and proceeded to question them.
“One of the men reacted aggressively, challenged the officers’ presence, and accused them of harassment.
“He also attracted the attention of passers-by, seemingly trying to escalate the situation,” the spokesperson said.
Adeh added that the Commissioner of Police had summoned the officers involved to ensure transparency and accountability.
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