By BARBARA KALU, Port-Harcourt –
A police officer was allegedly assaulted and robbed by a group of youths in the Nkpolu community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
A widely circulated video captured the moment when Inspector Joshua Nyian, a serving officer, was physically attacked by a mob after being accused of consuming banned substances in the community.
The incident, which took place on August 24 at approximately 10:20 a.m., has sparked outrage and prompted an ongoing investigation.
Rivers State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, addressed the media in Port Harcourt, explaining that Nyian, attached to the Woji Division, was returning from duty when he was confronted by the Nkpolu Youth President, the Community Chairman, and roughly 20 other youths.
“The officer had stopped to visit a female acquaintance, reportedly pregnant with his child, when the group accosted him,” Iringe-Koko stated.
According to Iringe-Koko, the mob subjected Nyian to a brutal assault, dragging him onto the main road, confiscating his police identity card and mobile phone, and extorting N78,000 from him. “The youths recorded the incident on video, further humiliating the officer,” she added.
Nyian, in his official report, suggested the attack might have stemmed from personal motives, alleging that the Youth President had previously expressed romantic interest in his girlfriend.
“This personal grievance may have fueled the assault,” Iringe-Koko noted, citing the officer’s statement.
Following the incident, Nyian provided a voluntary statement, and a medical form was issued to facilitate his treatment.
The police command has since launched efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators for questioning. “We are committed to ensuring justice is served,” Iringe-Koko affirmed.
The spokesperson also issued a stern warning to community leaders, urging them to prevent youths from engaging in vigilante actions.
“The command remains dedicated to upholding public order and will not tolerate individuals taking the law into their own hands,” she emphasized.
