Akwa Ibom: Policeman demoted for assaulting medical doctor

The police in Akwa Ibom State has demoted one of its officers, Sergeant Edidiong Alexander, for assaulting a medical doctor.

In a statement on Saturday night, the Police Spokesperson in the state, CSP Frederick Nnudam revealed that the policeman, Sgt. Edidiong Alexander was demoted for assaulting one Dr Daniel David Edet who was on essential duty during the statewide lockdown.

CSP Nnudam said Sgt. Edidiong Alexander who was attached to Safer Highway patrol allegedly assaulted the medical doctor on Friday at Nung Oku junction in Uyo, the state’s capital.

“At about 5:40 pm on 03/04/2020, the report of an altercation between one Dr Daniel David Edet of UUTH, Akwa Ibom and F/No. 426297 Sgt Edidiong Alexander attached to Safer Highway was received.

“The said medical Doctor was allegedly assaulted by Sgt Edidiong Alexander at Nung Oku junction where he was on duty.

“Consequently, the CP ordered for his arrest and detention. The erring officer who has been in detention was subjected to an orderly room trial in line with the Police Act and Regulations and was found guilty by the adjudicating officer.

“The orderly room proceeding was reviewed and he was reduced in rank from Sergeant to Corporal.

The leadership of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) had on Friday, condemned the action of the policeman.

General Secretary of ARD-UUTH, Dr Ekemini Bassey described the action of the police officer as “completely unacceptable” and demanded justice for Dr Edet who he said sustained multiple fractures as a result of the beatings from the policeman.

CSP Nnudam also revealed that the Commissioner of Police, Emohimi Edgal, had met and apologised to the victim and the leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), for the unwholesome conduct of the police officer.

The CP has also “assured the victim of the required medical attention, and enjoined them to continue to work with the police in this trying time in order to contain COVID-19.”

“Consequently, all Area Commanders and DPOs have been directed to effectively supervise their officers and men, and warned them to discharge their duties professionally as any further act of indiscipline would be met with unpalatable consequences,” he said.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel had, in a statewide broadcast on Thursday, announced a total lockdown and cessation of movement in all 31 Local Government Areas of the state, following the confirmation of 5 cases of the coronavirus in the state by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Gov. Udom also noted that security agencies had been directed to enforce the statewide lockdown.