ABSU student accuses police of assault at Uturu checkpoint
An Abia State University student has alleged that he and others were assaulted by police officers at a checkpoint along Uturu Road on Saturday afternoon.
The student, identified as Buddy jnr on X, shared a video of the checkpoint.
According to him, the officers, who allegedly had no name tags, stopped the vehicle he was travelling in, questioned passengers and escalated the encounter into violence.
He said “Earlier today at about 2:31pm along Uturu Road near Abia State University (ABSU), I experienced one of the most traumatizing moments of my life.
“I boarded a mini bus to get an item back to my lodge when some policemen without name tags stopped our vehicle at a checkpoint.
“They ordered me to step down, which I peacefully did. Immediately, they collected another passenger’s phone and began interrogating him aggressively about what he does for a living.
“Moments later, one of them turned to me and asked why I was using 3 phones. I calmly explained to them that I am a student and that the phones were bought with my hard-earned money. Instead of listening, they dragged me, my brother, and another passenger into a nearby bush and started harassing us for absolutely no reason.
“Before we knew what was happening, more officers joined them and they began beating us mercilessly like criminals, even though we were just students who came to ABSU to study and build our future.
“My brother and I sustained serious injuries during the assault. My ear is currently blocked, I can barely hear properly, and it has been bleeding because of the torture we faced in the hands of these officers…my phone screen also got broken.
“The most painful part was the constant threats they made. They said they could shoot us and nothing would happen. They also said they could make sure we never graduate from school.
“Imagine hearing such terrifying words from the same people meant to protect citizens. My only “crime” was owning 3 phones.
“ABSU students are no longer feeling safe. Police harassment, intimidation, and extortion around Uturu are becoming unbearable. Students are living in fear every day. We came here for education, not to be brutalized and treated like criminals for no reason @PoliceNG.”
The police have reportedly commenced an investigation, with the Complaint Response Unit acknowledging the complaint with a brief statement on X, saying, “Alleged officers from #Uturu Division have been identified, disarmed & detained. @abiapolice_NG to release an official statement on the viral video.”
Watch video
ABSU student accuses police of assault at Uturu checkpoint
