Akwa Ibom: Policeman who assaulted doctor during COVID-19 lockdown apologises, demoted

The Police officer who assaulted a doctor in Akwa Ibom state has apologised for his conduct and has been demoted.

Speaking through a press release made available to newsmen in Uyo on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, CSP Nudam Fredrick, said the erring officer, Sgt. Edidiong Alexander attached to Safer Highway has apologised for his conduct.

He stated that to serve as a deterrent to other policemen, Sgt. Alexander who was found guilty after an orderly room trial, had his rank reduced from Sergeant to Corporal.

He noted that the Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal personally apologised to the entire members of the Nigeria Medical Association Akwa Ibom State Branch, for the conduct of the police officer and assured the victim of the required medical attention.

He appealed to them to continue to work with the police to contain the spread of COVID-19, and directed all Area Commanders and DPOs to effectively supervise their officers and men.

He urged them to discharge their duties professionally as any further act of indiscipline would be punished.

The statement reads “At about 5:40pm of 03/04/2020, the report of an altercation between one Dr Daniel David Edet of UUTH, Akwa Ibom and F/No. 426297 Sgt Edidiong Alexander attached to Safer Highway was received. The said Dr was allegedly assaulted by Sgt Edidiong Alexander at Nung Oku junction where he was on duty.

“Consequently , The CP ordered for his arrest and detention. The erring officer who has been in detention was subjected to orderly room trial in line with the Police Act and Regulations and was found guilty by the adjudicating officer. The orderly room  proceeding was reviewed and he was reduced in rank from Sergeant to Corporal.

“At about 8pm of 03/04/2020 the CP had meeting with the Chairman NMA , Chairman Resident Doctors Association and the victim where he apologized to the entire members of the Nigeria Medical Association Akwa Ibom State Branch, for the unwholesome act/ conduct of the police officer and assured the victim of the required medical attention, and enjoined them to continue to work with the police in this trying time in order to contain COVID-19.

“He subsequently directed all Area Commanders and DPOs to effectively supervise their officers and men, and warned them  to discharge their duties professionally as any further act of indiscipline would be met with unpalatable consequences,” he stated.