The Anambra Police Command says it is assessing a social media video concerning an encounter between a Court bailiff and police operatives attached to “B” Division, Awka.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Awka.
Ikenga said that the investigation into the matter would assist the police in establishing the facts.
“The Anambra Police Command is aware of a video currently circulating on social media, concerning an encounter between a Court Bailiff and police operatives attached to “B” Division, in connection with the enforcement of a court order.
“The command notes that the circulating video captures only part of the incident and does not, in itself, provide the full circumstances or events preceding the encounter.
“The command has therefore commenced an assessment of the incident with a view to establishing the facts,” he said.
According to him, preliminary information indicates that the police operatives were responding to a distress call concerning the presence of unidentified persons and a reported disturbance at one premises within the jurisdiction of the division.
He said that upon arrival at the scene, the operatives met some individuals engaged in the eviction of persons and removal of properties from the premises.
The police spokesman said that in the course of establishing the identities of the persons involved and their mission, the officers approached them and requested appropriate identification.
“During the interaction, there was a disagreement between the police operatives and some of the persons present.
“The persons subsequently identified themselves as Court Bailiffs carrying out an enforcement exercise pursuant to a court order,” he said.
He said that the preliminary information available revealed that the Police Division was not previously approached for security assistance before the commencement of the enforcement exercise.
He also said upon being informed that the persons were Court Bailiffs acting pursuant to a court order, the police operatives advised them on appropriate procedure for requesting police security support during such exercises.
He said that after the advice the police subsequently withdrew from the scene.
The command reiterated its respect for the authority and independence of the courts, vowing its commitment to providing lawful security support for the enforcement of valid court orders.
According to him, where such support is duly requested and required, the police will ensure that all enforcement processes are conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.
Ikenga said the command has noted the concerns arising from the incident and has engaged the relevant parties.
He said that was part of efforts to establish the complete facts and ensure that the matter was handled professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law.
He urged members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid reaching conclusions based solely on isolated video clips circulating on social media.
According to him, this is particularly true where such footage does not capture the complete circumstances surrounding an incident.
He said that the command would communicate further developments as necessary upon conclusion of the ongoing assessment.
(NAN)
The post Anambra: Police probe video showing operatives, court bailiff rift appeared first on Vanguard News.