The Imo State Police Command has set up a panel to investigate the conduct of police officers who disrupted court proceedings at the Orogwe Customary Court in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State by effecting an arrest within the courtroom.
Reports indicate that the officers involved, who are attached to Ogbaku Police Station, allegedly violated protocol by arresting an individual during a court session.
The incident, which has drawn widespread criticism, led to the arrest of one of the officers, Abubakar Mohammed.
Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, ASP Okoye, stated that the situation was under control.
He revealed that the implicated officers had been apprehended and would face trial.
“The Command will not tolerate any unprofessional conduct from its officers. They will face trial, and appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against them,” Okoye said.
He added, “The Imo State Police Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that orderliness is maintained at court premises for the effective administration of justice.”
Reacting to the incident, legal practitioners have decried the officers’ actions, describing them as an affront to the judiciary and a desecration of the temple of justice.
A prominent legal practitioner, Sampson Chijioke, criticized the officers, stating, “Their actions are against the universal judicial system. Arrests in court should only be carried out by order of the court, and not during proceedings.”
Another lawyer, Vitalice Offurum, lamented the recurring trend of law enforcement officers undermining judicial processes in Imo State.
“The manner Chinonso Uba was arrested is similar to how Fabian Ihekweme was previously arrested.
“Just a few days ago, officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit raided the office of the Nigeria Watchdog Newspaper and arrested its deputy editor and staff. Now, it’s happening in the court,” Offurum said.
Offurum further urged the state Commissioner of Police to launch a thorough investigation into the matter to prevent a recurrence and restore public confidence in the judiciary.
The Imo State Police Command’s swift response to the incident is seen as a step towards ensuring accountability within the force, as calls for professionalism and respect for the rule of law continue to grow.
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