Police redeploy Abuja DPO to HQ pending investigation of “unprofessional conduct
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Ushafa Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Abuja who was caught on tape slapping a man under arrest has been redeployed with effect immediate effect.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner Miller Dantawaye ordered the redeployment after a viral video of the officer assaulting citizens surfaced on X on Tuesday drew widespread criticism from Nigerians who condemned it as unprofessional and abusive.
In reaction, FCT Police Command spokesperson Josephine Adeh on Wednesday issued a statement which quoted Dantawaye as describing the action as unacceptable and contrary to the ethics of the police.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns the officer’s actions, which fall short of the high standards of discipline, civility, and professionalism expected of police officers,” the statement said.
“Consequently, the officer has been redeployed, and the situation is currently under investigation.”
Adeh added that the officer has been redeployed to Police Headquarters pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident.
“While administrative disciplinary steps are being taken, CP Dantawaye reminds all DPOs and their subordinates that they must remain professional, courteous, and law-abiding in the discharge of their duties.
“He warns that any act of misconduct or abuse of power will attract severe sanctions.
“Mutual respect and cooperation are essential for effective community policing and public safety.”
The police urged FCT residents to report suspicious activities or misconduct.
The FCT police in June launched an investigation into a video showing police officers allegedly harassing an individual during routine patrol around the Chikakore Bridge area, per reporting by The PUNCH.
Adeh disclosed at the time that the officers noticed a vehicle parked suspiciously for over 20 minutes along the FO1-Chikakore Road and approached it for inspection.
“Upon approaching the vehicle, officers found two male occupants and proceeded to question them,” she said.
“One of the men reacted aggressively, challenged the officers’ presence, and accused them of harassment.
“He also attracted the attention of passers-by, seemingly trying to escalate the situation.”
Dantawaye summoned the officers to ensure transparency and accountability, Adeh added.
In another recent development, this time in Ondo, Police Commissioner Adebowale Lawal ordered the immediate redeployment of Enu-Owa DPO over alleged unprofessional conduct in handling a case involving social media influencer, Adefolarin Ayomiposi, popularly known as Mandykiss.
The decision followed the circulation of a video showing Mandykiss filming a mother and daughter, whom she claimed to have travelled to Ondo to arrest for trolling her nonstop online. The video shows her insulting both women.
Another video shows the women being held in custody at Enu-Owa Divisional Police station and Mandykiss taking snapshots of them.
Read also:
APC bristles over Makinde’s N35,000 levies on wedding, burial, chieftaincy title ceremonies to shore up Oyo IGR
 in Abuja who was caught on tape slapping a man under arrest){kind=link}