The police in Imo State have begun an investigation into an allegation by a former Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike, that some political operatives invaded his hospital in Owerri and assaulted the hospital’s staff members earlier than arresting others.
The police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a press release on Thursday.
The former Nigerian footballer co-founded the power, Emenike Hospital, in May 2024.
It is a 40-bed hospital operated by AGCare, a healthcare operations administration firm.
Emenike’s alarm
In a submit on his Instagram page on Wednesday, Mr Emenike mentioned the operatives arrived on the hospital accompanied by officers of the Imo State Waste Management Agency.
The former Nigerian striker claimed that the safety operatives have been from Oji Police Divisional Headquarters and that they “assaulted staff and patients, and took away the hospital administrator and cashier.”
The footballer mentioned the Wednesday’s incident occurred after an earlier invasion of the power on 25 September by police operatives on the order of the Division Police Officer in Owerri Urban Division.
He uploaded CCTV footage from the hospital which confirmed the state waste administration company’s personnel and armed police operatives taking some staff members away amid the chaos that enveloped the hospital.
Mr Emenike appealed to the police authorities within the state and the Imo State Government to analyze the incident and facilitate the discharge of the staff members.
“Ensure anybody injured receives medical care and that witnesses can report safely.
“Preserve and review available CCTV, incident records and other evidence. Take appropriate action (on the) official or agency for an unlawful act,” he mentioned.
The former Super Eagles star argued that enforcement operations shouldn’t endanger sufferers, disrupt emergency care or use violence towards hospital staff.
READ ALSO: Angry youths protest alleged killing of entertainer by police
“Public institutions must act within the law, and allegations of abuse must be investigated transparently,” he said.
Police investigation
Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, mentioned the police authorities within the state have been conscious of the footage exhibiting when three staff members have been “arrested over alleged violations of the state’s waste management laws.”
“In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, has directed a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest and determine the roles played by the officers involved,” he mentioned, declaring that the staff members have been launched.
The spokesperson reiterated that the state police command was dedicated to professionalism, self-discipline, accountability, and respect for the rule of legislation.
“Any police officer found to have acted unlawfully or engaged in misconduct will face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures,” he vowed.
“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and assures them that the matter will be handled fairly and in accordance with the law.”
Discover extra from Premium Times Nigeria
Subscribe to get the most recent posts despatched to your electronic mail.
