Plateau Police Detain Officer Accused of Shooting Trader at Checkpoint
The Plateau State Police Command has detained an officer accused of shooting a trader in the leg at a checkpoint in Riyom Local Government Area of the state.
The incident reportedly occurred on August 11 when the trader, identified as Danladi, was stopped while transporting vegetables in a van to the South-East.
Following the incident, the police officer involved was disarmed and taken into custody for questioning as authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police officer taken to State CID
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Police Command, Superintendent Alfred Alabo, confirmed that the officer was in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
According to Alabo, the Divisional Police Officer overseeing the Riyom Division responded after receiving information about the incident.
The officer involved was subsequently disarmed and taken to the State CID, where he is undergoing questioning and disciplinary proceedings.
The police spokesperson said the investigation would establish what led to the shooting and determine the appropriate action based on the findings.
Police visit injured trader
The Commissioner of Police has also directed the DPO to visit the hospital where the injured trader is receiving treatment.
The directive is intended to enable the command to obtain an update on the victim’s condition and monitor developments surrounding the case.
Police authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and promised to provide further information as more facts emerge.
Police urge public to avoid confrontation at checkpoints
While addressing the incident, the Plateau Police Command urged motorists, traders and other members of the public to avoid confrontations with armed security personnel during disagreements at checkpoints.
Alabo advised members of the public who believe an officer has acted improperly to use established complaint channels rather than attempting to confront an armed officer.
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He said members of the public could contact the Police Public Relations Office, the Police Complaint Response Unit or other authorised channels to report alleged misconduct.
According to the PPRO, members of the public who believe their rights have been violated should report the matter to the appropriate authorities so that it can be investigated.
Police say both sides of incident will be investigated
The command said it would consider the circumstances surrounding the incident from all sides before reaching a conclusion.
Alabo explained that although the allegation against the officer was being investigated, the officer would also have an opportunity to give his account of what happened.
He said investigators would rely on available evidence to establish the facts and determine what actually occurred at the checkpoint.
Disciplinary action already underway
The police spokesperson disclosed that the officers involved were not originally attached to the Plateau State Police Command but had been deployed to the state to perform specific duties under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police.
He reiterated that the officer accused of the shooting remained in custody at the State CID while the investigation continued.
The command said disciplinary measures had already commenced and assured members of the public that appropriate action would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
The Plateau Police Command also appealed for calm, assuring residents that the incident was being handled and that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
