Police say officers detained over alleged assault on Ede students
Zone 11 promises an investigation as police report the release of students arrested during a hostel operation.
Police say officers involved in an operation at a hostel occupied by Federal Polytechnic, Ede students have been detained following an allegation of assault.
PUNCH reported on Friday, November 6, that a police spokesperson, Olanrewaju Ojedele, confirmed the detention in a message to its correspondent on Thursday. Police also said those arrested during the operation had been released.
The investigation follows reports of a video purportedly showing an assault in Ede. IDNN has not independently authenticated the original footage.
Zone 11 promises investigation
Channels Television reported on Thursday that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, Bassey Ewah, had expressed concern over the alleged conduct.
According to the Zone 11 statement carried by Channels, the officers involved had been identified and steps taken to investigate the incident.
The command said officers found responsible for misconduct would face disciplinary measures under applicable police laws and regulations. It urged the public to allow the investigation to proceed.
The reported detention is an investigative step. No final disciplinary finding against the officers was available in the material reviewed.
Police report students’ release
PUNCH reported that Ojedele said all those arrested in connection with the operation had been released. He also said an affected student received treatment at a clinic before release.
The newspaper reported that Ewah ordered the students’ release following a meeting with student representatives. IDNN has not independently confirmed the students’ present condition.
Nigerian NewsDirect’s November 5 report placed the meeting and release order on Wednesday, November 4.
Students’ organisation demands accountability
The South-West Zone D of the National Association of Nigerian Students condemned the hostel operation and demanded an investigation, according to Osun Defender’s November 4 report.
The organisation alleged that armed officers attached to the Zone 11 Cybercrime Unit entered accommodation occupied by students and assaulted occupants. Those allegations remain subject to investigation.
The material reviewed did not establish how many officers were detained, the legal basis for the hostel operation or when the investigation would conclude. The command said its findings would be made public.