Cross River Police: Investigate Threat to Calabar LG Chairman

• A video showing a policeman threatening Calabar Municipality Chairman James Anam during a stop-and-search operation has gone viral.
• The officer reportedly told the chairman that "armed robbers will visit you" following a heated exchange.
• The Cross River State Police Command, through PPRO Sunday Eitokpah, has launched a discreet and impartial investigation into the incident.
• The police confirmed the incident occurred about three weeks ago during a Violent Crime Response Unit operation in Calabar.
• Both the chairman and the involved officers are being invited to provide their accounts, with assurances of professional conduct and sanctions for any misconduct.

This incident highlights critical issues surrounding police accountability and the enforcement of professional standards, particularly concerning Nigeria police stop-and-search regulations.

A senior official in Calabar, James Anam, who serves as the Chairman of the Calabar Municipality Local Government Council, was reportedly threatened by a police officer following a tense confrontation at a checkpoint. The incident, which involved personnel from the Cross River State Police Command during a routine stop-and-search operation in Calabar, was captured on video and subsequently went viral across social media platforms. The footage depicts a heated exchange between the council chairman and the officers.

During the altercation, one of the police officers was distinctly heard issuing a chilling threat to the local government chairman, stating that "armed robbers will visit you." The officer further asserted, "I have paid my dues in this Cross River State." This alarming declaration, widely circulated online, has ignited significant public outrage among local residents, prompting widespread questioning regarding the professional conduct of law enforcement agents and the potential safety implications of such threats emanating from those tasked with upholding the law.

In response to the viral video and the ensuing public outcry, the Cross River State Police Command officially announced on Friday that it has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the encounter. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the command's awareness of the video in a statement provided to journalists in Calabar on the same day, indicating that an inquiry is underway to ascertain the full details of what transpired.

According to preliminary information released by the police, the incident took place approximately three weeks prior to the public announcement. It occurred during a stop-and-search operation conducted by operatives belonging to the Violent Crime Response Unit at an unspecified location within the Calabar metropolis. The command, however, stressed that the complete circumstances surrounding the event have not yet been definitively established, urging the public to exercise caution and refrain from drawing premature conclusions based solely on the circulating footage, as it may not present the entire sequence of events leading up to or immediately following the confrontation.

The Commissioner of Police for Cross River State, Ajo Ordue, has personally ordered a discreet and impartial investigation into the matter. The primary objectives of this probe are to meticulously establish all relevant facts and to thoroughly assess the conduct of every individual involved in the incident. PPRO Sunday Eitokpah further revealed that the command has begun the process of inviting both the Calabar Municipality Chairman, James Anam, and the police personnel implicated in the altercation to provide their respective accounts of the encounter.

This Cross River State Police misconduct probe underscores the ongoing scrutiny of police conduct during stop-and-search operations in Nigeria. The police command has publicly assured the community that the investigation will be conducted with utmost professionalism and objectivity. They have also committed to sanctioning any established misconduct in strict accordance with existing laws and established police regulations, reinforcing the importance of accountability within the force.

This incident highlights critical issues surrounding police accountability and the enforcement of professional standards, particularly concerning Nigeria police stop-and-search regulations. The public's strong reaction to the alleged threat from an officer to a public official like the Calabar Municipality Chairman police altercation participant, James Anam, reflects a broader demand for transparency and adherence to due process by law enforcement agencies. The outcome of this James Anam police threat investigation could set an important precedent for how similar cases of alleged misconduct are handled in the future.

For legal professionals, especially those advising clients on interactions with law enforcement or involved in human rights and civil liberties cases, monitoring the resolution of this investigation is crucial. The command's commitment to an impartial inquiry and the potential for sanctions against officers found to be in violation of regulations could influence future legal strategies and public trust in the police force. This case serves as a significant test of the police's ability to self-regulate and maintain public confidence.

This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny of police conduct during stop-and-search operations in Nigeria. Lawyers advising clients on interactions with law enforcement, or those involved in human rights/civil liberties cases, should monitor the outcome of this investigation for precedents regarding police accountability and the enforcement of professional standards.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH