FCT Commissioner of Police Redeploys DPO Caught on Tape Assaulting Man
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh, has redeployed a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) who was recently caught on video physically assaulting a man during an altercation in Abuja.
The viral video, which circulated widely on social media over the weekend, showed the DPO — whose identity has not been officially disclosed — slapping and shoving a civilian during a heated exchange near Wuse Zone 6, sparking widespread outrage among Nigerians.
In a statement on Monday, FCT Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the DPO’s redeployment, adding that the officer had been placed under investigation by the Command’s Provost Department for unprofessional conduct.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Benneth C. Igweh, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the concerned DPO and directed the Command’s Provost to commence a thorough investigation into the incident captured in the viral video,” the statement read.
Adeh added that the CP condemned the officer’s behaviour, stressing that such actions were inconsistent with the ethics and values of the Nigeria Police Force, which prioritises professionalism, respect for human rights, and discipline.
“The CP reiterates that no officer is above the law. The FCT Command remains committed to ensuring accountability and upholding public confidence in the Force,” she said.
The video, which drew thousands of reactions online, showed the officer — in uniform — arguing with a man before physically attacking him. Many users expressed anger, calling for strict disciplinary action and an example to be made to deter similar misconduct.
Civil society organisations, including the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), have since praised the swift response by the police leadership but urged that the probe be transparent and its findings made public.
The Nigeria Police Force has faced repeated criticism over brutality and rights abuses, with several viral videos in recent years showing officers engaging in misconduct. The latest incident adds to calls for continuous police reform and retraining to ensure better relations with the public.
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