A young man identified as Arinze Eze is currently receiving treatment in hospital following an incident involving officers of the Nigeria Police Force along the Ngbo Court axis of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.
According to an account shared by Collins F. Onyibe, the incident occurred early on Tuesday as Eze was returning from Ishieke to his hometown in Ohaukwu on a motorcycle. He was reportedly stopped by police officers for a routine search.
The account alleges that after complying with instructions to park his motorcycle, Eze was asked to hand over a small bag hanging around his neck. He reportedly declined to remove the bag, insisting it remain with him because it contained cash and a POS machine, while expressing his willingness to cooperate with the search.
The statement further alleges that one of the officers, identified as Kingsley Esheya (spelling not independently verified), attempted to forcefully seize the bag. Despite Eze’s explanation that he was rushing to the hospital, the situation reportedly escalated, with other officers joining the confrontation.
According to the account, Eze attempted to flee after being assaulted, and during the ensuing chase, he sustained a severe eye injury after allegedly being struck with a rifle. He is said to be in critical condition and awaiting urgent surgery due to concerns that the injury could affect his other eye..
The statement also claims that the officers involved have denied assaulting Eze, maintaining instead that the eye injury resulted from an accident while he was attempting to run away.
It was further stated that the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State has been notified of the incident. The allegations have renewed calls for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation to establish the facts, identify anyone found culpable, and ensure justice is served.
As of the time of this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official public statement addressing the allegations. The claims remain allegations pending the outcome of an official investigation.
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