The Imo State Police Command has denied reports that two serving commissioners in the State, Prince Chidi Nwaturuocha (Public Safety) and Hon. Anthony Okoroaforoanyanwu(Transporation) were beaten up by men of the Nigeria Police Force at a checkpoint along Owerri-Egbu road.
According to Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem who spoke to this online medium on inquiry, he said there is truth in the report.
However, an eye witness account said the two commissioners were stopped at by some police officers on duty at a road checkpoint Egbu road just before shoprite. The two state government functionaries were said to be on an official assignment as they were after some tricycle operators who violated the ban of such operations within Owerri municipality by the State government.
Reports said despite identifying themselves as state government functionaries to the officers on duty, the officers turned a deaf ear which led to hot exchange of words.
In the process, they were pounced on by the officers when making phone calls which attracted the attention of onlookers and other road users
One of the beaten commissioners, Chidi Nwaturuocha confirmed the incident alleging that they were dehumanized. He said they decided not to fight the officers because as Government officials they are law abiding citizens of the State.
He expressed worry over the development which he described as an act of sabotage from the Police against the remarkable success recorded by the State government led by Governor Rochas Okorocha.
The Commissioner claimed he is in possession of a video clip where one of the officers who battered him and his colleague said the Governor and his relations can go to hell.