The Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, has constituted a fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding a viral video involving police officers and court bailiffs in the state.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Nneka Umeozulu, on behalf of the Attorney General, the commissioner said his attention had been drawn to the video, which reportedly showed police officers attempting to arrest a court bailiff who appeared to be executing a court judgment.
The video also contained statements by persons believed to be court bailiffs against the police officer involved in the incident.
According to the statement, the Office of the Attorney General had received complaints from several individuals alleging various offences arising from the incident.
The committee has been mandated to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and submit its findings to the Attorney General for further action.
The statement urged all parties concerned to remain calm and exercise patience while the investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command, in its reaction, explained that the operatives involved in the video were responding to a distress call concerning the presence of unidentified persons and a reported disturbance at a premises within the jurisdiction of the Police B Division, Awka.
The command stated that upon arriving at the scene and being informed that the individuals were court bailiffs acting pursuant to a court order, the officers advised them on the appropriate procedure for requesting police security support during enforcement exercises.
The operatives subsequently withdrew from the scene, according to the police.
On its part, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State Branch, called for the full protection of court bailiffs and other judiciary staff carrying out lawful judicial assignments.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Henry Ezeoke, and Assistant Secretary, Comrade Ugochukwu Nwezi, the union urged police personnel to refrain from unlawful interference with the execution of valid court processes.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the investigation is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and guide any further action by the relevant authorities.
