ASABA/Nigeria: Three residents of Emevor Community in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State have been arraigned by the police over their alleged involvement in the assault and torture of a man in an incident that gained public attention after a video surfaced online.
The Delta State Police Command said the suspects were arrested following an investigation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, after the video circulated widely on social media.
Police identified the defendants as Lucky Okeremu, 48, Chairman of Emevor Community, Okiemute Oyibo, 46, and Karo Akamakusi, 45.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Commissioner directed the Area Commander in Ozoro to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident after the footage sparked public concern.
According to the police, the investigation, which was also prompted by a petition submitted by human rights advocates, established that the incident allegedly occurred on Sunday, July 5, at about 8:15 a.m.
The Command alleged that the three suspects, together with other persons who are still being sought, apprehended the victim before taking him to a hotel within Emevor Community, where he was reportedly assaulted, subjected to degrading treatment, inflicted with injuries and allegedly threatened with death.
Edafe said the investigation was concluded before the suspects were charged to court.
According to the police, the defendants were arraigned before a competent court on charges bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, assault occasioning harm, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace and threatening the life of the victim, contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Code Law of Delta State.
The spokesperson added that efforts were continuing to track down other individuals allegedly connected to the incident who remain at large.
Reacting to the development, Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi cautioned community leaders, vigilante groups and other residents against taking the law into their own hands.
While acknowledging the support of community-based security outfits in crime prevention, the police chief maintained that no individual or group is empowered to torture, assault, intimidate or impose unlawful punishment on any suspect.
He warned that anyone found engaging in acts of jungle justice or other forms of extrajudicial punishment would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner also advised vigilante groups operating across the state to hand over suspects to the police for investigation and possible prosecution instead of resorting to self-help.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of residents and assured that every person found culpable of criminal offences, irrespective of social standing or position, would be made to face the legal process.
