The Anambra State Police Command has launched an investigation into a viral video showing a confrontation between police operatives and court bailiffs during the enforcement of a court order in Awka.
The command said it was working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, warning members of the public against drawing conclusions from footage that may not capture the entire encounter.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued in Awka.
According to him, the officers involved were attached to B Division, Awka, and had responded to a distress call concerning unidentified persons and a reported disturbance at a property within their jurisdiction.
Police Explain What Happened
Ikenga said the officers arrived at the premises and found some individuals carrying out an eviction and removing properties.
He explained that the operatives approached those present to establish their identities and determine the purpose of their activities. A disagreement reportedly followed before the individuals identified themselves as court bailiffs executing an enforcement exercise under a court order.
The police spokesperson said preliminary information indicated that the division had not been contacted to provide security assistance before the enforcement exercise began.
He added that, after learning that the individuals were court bailiffs acting under a court order, the officers advised them on the appropriate procedure for requesting police support during such operations before withdrawing from the scene.
The command said the account was preliminary and that the ongoing assessment would help establish the complete facts.
Police Reaffirm Respect for Judiciary
The Anambra Police Command reiterated its respect for the authority and independence of the judiciary, adding that it remained ready to provide lawful security assistance for the enforcement of valid court orders when properly requested.
It also said the incident had raised concerns that required a professional and impartial investigation. The command confirmed that it had engaged relevant parties as part of efforts to determine what transpired.
Ikenga urged the public to exercise restraint and avoid reaching conclusions based solely on isolated social media clips, particularly when the footage does not show the events leading up to the confrontation.
The command said it would provide further information when necessary after completing its assessment.
