Inibehe Effiong, a public interest and human rights lawyer, has petitioned the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, calling for the identification and punishment of Army personnel involved in the alleged assault of a police officer, ASP Edet Inyang. The incident is said to have occurred on December 9, 2023, near the Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade in Asaba, Delta State, where the policeman had parked his vehicle to purchase items.
Effiong shared videos and photos accompanying the statement titled “How Nigerian Army Personnel Tortured and Brutalised Serving Police Officer ASP Edet Inwang Till He Lost Consciousness Over Alleged Wrong Parking.” The lawyer requested the Chief of Army Staff to ensure that the culprits are identified and face the full force of the law.
According to the statement, ASP Inyang attempted to comply with a soldier’s instruction to re-park his vehicle but was allegedly assaulted by Lance Corporal Onyibuchi of the Intelligence Department attached to the 63 Brigade, along with approximately 10 other soldiers. Inyang was reportedly brutalized to the point of losing consciousness and had to be taken to the military hospital for medical care.
Effiong condemned the soldiers’ actions, asserting that the incident was a violation of ASP Inyang’s fundamental human rights. He urged the Chief of Army Staff to promptly investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served for the alleged brutality.