Edo Police clarify viral video, say officers responded to medical emergency

Crime Diary

BENIN CITY, Nigeria (NPA) — The Edo State Police Command has clarified circumstances surrounding a viral video circulating on social media, insisting that officers involved were responding to a medical emergency and not engaging in misconduct.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the clarification followed an investigation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.

According to the command, the investigation revealed that the young man seen in the video, identified as 23-year-old David Michael, had suffered a medical emergency and gone into convulsions.

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Police said the victim became violent during the episode and was difficult to restrain, posing danger to himself and people nearby.

The command stated that officers at the scene were attempting to control the situation and transport him to a medical facility for urgent treatment.

According to the statement, the viral footage was recorded from a distance by an onlooker who was allegedly unaware of events preceding the incident, resulting in what the police described as a misleading narrative.

The command added that individuals involved in the incident, including David Michael, had subsequently released another video explaining the circumstances surrounding the encounter.

Police authorities expressed hope that the clarification video would receive the same level of circulation as the earlier footage.

While defending the officers’ intervention as a response to an emergency situation, the Commissioner of Police stressed that all police operations must remain guided by professionalism, civility and respect for the fundamental rights of citizens.

Agbonika also directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Departments and Tactical Team Commanders to reinforce first aid training, lawful use of force procedures and compliance with Force Order 237 among personnel.

The police commissioner further emphasised the need for officers to maintain public trust while carrying out operational duties, and reiterated the command’s commitment to accountability, transparency and the protection of residents across the state.