The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed Police Corporal Okoi Liyomo, who was caught beating a man with a cutlass in Cross River State.
Corporal Okoi’s dismissal comes amidst public outcry, particularly from youths who have been complaining about police harassment and extortion.
Last week, social media was awash with the video of the policeman, using the flat side of a cutlass to beat a man. The assault caught the attention of the police authorities, who vowed to take action.
Olumuyiwa in a statement on Monday said, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, fdc, has expressed grave disappointment at the reports of brutality and extortion leveled against some police officers via various complaint channels available to the public, particularly on social media platforms.
The IGP has therefore directed all supervising Commissioners of Police and Tactical/Strategic Commanders to ensure strict supervision of their personnel as further incidences of this nature would be viewed strictly.
“The IGP has also ordered a wholistic overhauling of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the Special Tactical Squad (STS), and the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) Units to ensure that their operations are in tandem with the purpose for their creation, and maximum effectiveness and output in line with the mandate of the IGP’s administration and public safety.
“The IGP has therefore directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau (AIG-FIB) to carry out a supervisory role over the three units to ensure their operations are professional, active and productive and do not infringe on the fundamental rights of the citizenry, and other members of the public.
“In the same vein, the Force has dismissed *Force No. 524503 PC Liyomo Okoi* attached to Ekori Divisional Headquarters, Cross Rivers Police Command for gross misconduct captured in a viral video on 31st July, 2022 where he was flogging a man with a machete. His dismissal takes effect from today the 8th of August, 2022.
“The Inspector-General of Police has therefore reiterated his commitment to ethical regeneration, restoration of professional standards and enhancement of the anti-corruption drive with the dedication to entrenching human rights-driven policing within the country.
The IGP expressed confidence that the current overhauling will improve the effectiveness of the units, and rid them of negative elements who deviate from the standard operating procedure of the Units, and the Nigeria Police Force in general.”
