Knife-wielding police officer arrested for assaulting Kaduna electric staff

A middle-aged police officer captured in a viral video assaulting a Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) staff member has been identified and arrested.

The suspect, Inspector Aminu Yahaya Bidda, posted to the Tudun Wada Police Station in Kaduna metropolis, was seen in the footage wielding a knife and attempting to stab other KAEDCO officials.

Kaduna Electric formally reported the incident to the state Police Command through a petition to the police commissioner. The petition called for Inspector Bidda’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution for assault, attempted murder, harassment, and intimidation of KAEDCO staff.

KAEDCO requested that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a thorough investigation and urged the police commissioner to ensure the protection of its staff to enable them to perform their duties without obstruction.

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In a statement issued by Abdulazeez Abdullahi, Head of Corporate Communications at KAEDCO, the company condemned the officer’s actions as not only unlawful but also a potential threat to the fragile peace in the state. Abdullahi emphasised that the officer’s behaviour was in stark violation of legal and police conduct standards and vowed to petition the relevant authorities for appropriate administrative actions and prosecution.

The statement further detailed that Inspector Bidda “viciously attacked” KAEDCO staff who were conducting a routine inspection of his prepaid metre at his residence on Rimaye Road, Hayin Danmani. Investigation revealed that the officer had only vended electricity twice this year.

Eyewitnesses reported that the incident escalated when the officer, visibly agitated, brandished a knife and attempted multiple times to stab the electricity worker. The worker narrowly escaped injury. However, a passerby who tried to intervene sustained injuries to his leg.