Akwa Ibom CP Orders Arrest Of Police Officer After Prospective NYSC Member Died In Custody

The Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police (CP), Andrew Amiengheme, has ordered the arrest of a senior police officer after one Kubiat Isaac died in police custody in the state.

The command described Isaac as a prospective National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) member evading arrest after his suspected involvement in armed robbery and cultism.

In a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Odiko Macdon, on Saturday, the police said Isaac was subsequently “traced to and arrested at Eni Stores on the 29th of August and taken for questioning”.

Afterwards, he was transferred to the State CID “where the case was pending, for discreet investigation”.

The statement read in part: “Unfortunately, the suspect said he was sick. He was taken to the Police clinic for treatment but gave up the ghost in the process.

“The Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme, has ordered an autopsy to be conducted to determine the cause of death.

“The CP, who has great respect for fundamental rights, notes that contemporary policing isn’t about torture and should not be tolerated, hence, has vowed that a diligent and transparent investigation will be conducted.

“To actualise this, the CP ordered for the immediate arrest and detention for questioning of one ASP Joweigha Michael, who, preliminary investigation revealed, was the officer who effected the arrest of the said Kubiat”.

Meanwhile, the police refuted claims that Isaac was beaten to death by police personnel.

He, however, consoled the bereaved family, stating that the officer would face the full weight of the law if found culpable and would be held accountable for his action.