A student of Abia State University has accused police officers of assaulting him and two other passengers at a checkpoint on Uturu Road, triggering fresh outrage over alleged police brutality.
Student Gives Account
The student, identified on X as Buddy jnr, shared a viral video of the checkpoint where the incident allegedly happened on Saturday afternoon.
According to him, officers stopped the mini bus around 2:31pm while he travelled to return an item to his lodge near the university campus.
Furthermore, he said the officers ordered him to step down, which he did without resistance.
Meanwhile, he alleged that the officers first targeted another passenger, seized his phone, and questioned his source of income.
Phones Question Led to Clash
The student said the situation changed after an officer asked why he carried three mobile phones.
He explained that he told them he was a student and bought the phones legally with his own earnings.
However, he alleged that the officers ignored his explanation and dragged him, his brother, and another passenger into a nearby bush.
Consequently, he claimed the officers beat them repeatedly, while more policemen later joined the assault.
Injuries and Threats Alleged
The student said he and his brother suffered injuries during the incident.
Furthermore, he alleged that his ear became blocked and started bleeding, while his phone screen got damaged during the confrontation.
He also accused the officers of making death threats. According to him, they claimed they could shoot them and frustrate their academic future.
Meanwhile, he described the experience as traumatic and said many ABSU students now live in fear.
Police React to Viral Video
In response, the Complaint Response Unit of the Nigeria Police Force confirmed awareness of the case after the video spread online.
The unit said officers allegedly linked to the incident from Uturu Division had been identified, disarmed, and detained pending investigation.
The statement read: “Alleged officers from #Uturu Division have been identified, disarmed & detained. @abiapolice_NG to release an official statement on the viral video.”
Calls for Justice Grow
As of the time of filing this report, the Abia State Police Command had not released a detailed statement on the allegations or the students’ condition.
Consequently, many Nigerians have demanded accountability, justice for the victims, and wider police reforms.
