Police in Delta State have arrested and arraigned three suspects, including a community leader and vigilante members, over the alleged torture of a resident in Emevor Community after a viral video triggered an investigation.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested and arraigned three suspects, including a community leader and members of a local vigilante group, over the alleged torture of a resident in Emevor Community, Isoko North Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Warri.
According to Edafe, the suspects were arrested on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda Oyeniyi, following a viral video showing the alleged torture of the victim.
He said the commissioner instructed the Area Commander of the Ozoro Area Command to carry out a swift and discreet investigation into the incident.
“The incident, which was captured in a video widely circulated on social media, immediately drew the attention of the Commissioner of Police, who directed the Area Commander to conduct a swift and discreet investigation.
“The investigation was further reinforced by a petition from concerned human rights activists,” Edafe said.
He explained that investigators established that the suspects, alongside others still at large, allegedly unlawfully apprehended the victim and took him to a hotel in Emevor Community, where he was reportedly subjected to severe humiliation and physical assault.
Following the conclusion of investigations, the three suspects were arraigned before a competent court on charges including conspiracy to commit felony, assault occasioning harm and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
Edafe said efforts were ongoing to arrest other suspects linked to the alleged crime.
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police warned that anyone found violating the law would face prosecution, urging vigilante groups to always hand over suspects to the police for lawful investigation and prosecution.
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