The Plateau State Police Command has detained a police officer who allegedly shot an unarmed trader in the leg at a checkpoint in Riyom Local Government Area of the state.
The incident reportedly occurred on August 11 when the trader, identified as Danladi, was transporting vegetables to the South-East in his van and was stopped by police officers at a checkpoint.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Alfred Alabo, confirmed that the officer involved had been disarmed and taken into custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Alabo said the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Riyom Division immediately mobilised to the scene after receiving information about the incident, disarmed the officer and transferred him to the State CID for questioning and disciplinary proceedings.
“The officer is with us; he is in custody at the State CID. Investigations are ongoing,” the PPRO said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police had directed the DPO to visit the hospital where the victim is receiving treatment and provide an update on his condition.
According to Alabo, the circumstances surrounding the shooting were still being investigated, adding that the police would establish what transpired before determining the appropriate action.
He also appealed to members of the public to avoid confronting armed security personnel during disagreements, urging motorists and other road users to report alleged misconduct through established complaint channels.
The PPRO said members of the public could contact the Police Public Relations Office, Police Complaint Response Unit or other designated channels to report alleged violations of their rights by officers.
Alabo further disclosed that the officers involved were not originally from the Plateau State Police Command but were deployed to the state to perform certain duties under the supervision of the commissioner of police.
He assured the public that disciplinary measures were already being taken against the officer and pledged that the command would provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
