Three police officers from the Imo State Police Command, who were identified in a cult related viral video displaying unprofessional conduct, have been arrested.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Aboki Danjuma, had directed an investigation into the video, the identification of officers, their arrest, and the commencement of an orderly room trial.

A statement issued around 6.48 p.m. on Saturday (today) by the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, disclosed that the three officers had been arrested, adding that an orderly room trial would commence on Monday.

The statement read: “Further to the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, ordering a thorough investigation into the viral video showing officers engaged in unprofessional conduct, the Command wishes to provide the following update.
“The officers captured in the viral video have been identified as:
“Inspector Obinna Peter (AP/No. 346264); Corporal Amaechi Augustine (F/No. 528171); Corporal Ejikeme Victor (F/No. 528279).”

The statement stressed that the Policeman had been consigned to detention, while a thorough investigation was going on to ascertain their level of involvement in cultism and other related activities.
“The officers have been arrested and are presently in detention while the command has commenced a thorough investigation into their alleged involvement in cultism and other related activities. Consequently, an Orderly Room Trial has been scheduled to commence on Monday.
“The Imo State Police Command reiterates that the conduct displayed in the viral video is highly unprofessional and does not reflect the discipline, ethics, and values of the Nigeria Police Force,” Okoye informed.

Continuing, Okoye, who is a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), promised to unearth the outcome of the trial in line with the tenets of the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Police Force, stressing, “The outcome of the Orderly Room Trial will be communicated to the public in due course, as the Command remains committed to upholding professionalism, accountability, and transparency in the discharge of its duties.”

Report of an alleged plot by some military personnel to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration have triggered outrage among Nigerians, with senior lawyers, civil society groups and retired generals warning against any attempt to subvert democracy.

The Defence Headquarters also dismissed the reports, saying there was no coup-related detention or plan within the military.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the Armed Forces were unaware of any coup plot.

He also claimed that no new update had been issued since the earlier statement on the arrest of some officers.

“I am not aware that people were detained for a coup. We didn’t issue any new statement on the 16 people we said were detained. What we issued is what we issued, and there’s no update on that. If there’s one, we will let the public know,” Gusau said.

In the October 4 statement referenced, Gusau had explained that the 16 officers were arrested for breaching military regulations and acts of indiscipline.

“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations,” the statement read in part.

-Source: punch.

Leandro Trossard’s second-half goal was enough for Arsenal to overcome a stubborn Fulham and move three points clear at the top of the English Premier League.

Mikel Arteta came into the Saturday match without captain Martin Odegaard and named Eberechi Eze in his place as the manager looked to make the most of the attacking talent at his disposal.

However, it was the home side who started brightest and Fulham went close through Harry Wilson and Josh King, who had an effort tipped over the bar by David Raya.

Arsenal grew into the game and Riccardo Calafiori had an excellently worked goal ruled out for offside.

The Gunners started the second half with more intensity and pinned Fulham back for large parts.

That pressure told in the 58th minute when centre-back Gabriel flicked on a Bukayo Saka corner and Trossard was well positioned to fire home from close range at the back post.

Saka thought he had won a penalty to give Arsenal the chance to double their lead, but the decision was overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR).

The victory means Arsenal move three points clear of second-placed Manchester City – who were top for a couple of hours on Saturday after beating Everton – with Liverpool four behind in third. Arne Slot’s side host Manchester United on Sunday (16:30 BST).