Plateau police detain officer over shooting at checkpoint

Plateau State police have arrested an officer suspected of shooting an unarmed trader in the leg during a routine checkpoint stop in Riyom Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on August 11, has sparked renewed scrutiny over police conduct in the region. According to officials, the officer has been disarmed and is currently under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The trader, identified as Danladi, was reportedly transporting vegetables in his van when he was stopped at a checkpoint near Riyom. He was injured in the leg during the encounter, though the exact circumstances of the shooting remain unclear. Superintendent Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Plateau State Police Command, confirmed the arrest and stated that the officer was taken into custody immediately after the incident. Alabo said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) responsible for the Riyom area arrived at the scene promptly upon learning of the incident. The DPO, accompanied by his team, disarmed the suspect and transported him to the State CID for questioning and disciplinary proceedings. “The DPO came there immediately. He got the information with his men, disarmed the officer and also took him immediately to the State CID, where he is currently undergoing questioning and a disciplinary process,” Alabo said. The Commissioner of Police has instructed the DPO to visit the hospital where the victim is receiving treatment and provide regular updates on his condition. “Concerning the victim, the CP has directed the DPO to go to the hospital and see how the victim is faring and give us feedback. A lot is ongoing concerning that,” Alabo added. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and the police have assured the public that they will release updates as the process unfolds. “The officer is with us; he is in custody at the State CID. Investigations are ongoing,” Alabo said. In response to the incident, the police have urged members of the public to refrain from confronting armed security personnel during disputes. They emphasized the importance of using official complaint channels to address concerns about police misconduct. “When an officer misbehaves on the road, don’t try to attack or confront them while they are armed with a rifle. Please, make use of our numbers,” Alabo said. The police have established multiple avenues for reporting misconduct, including the Police Public Relations Office, the Police Complaint Response Unit, and other designated channels. “If you feel that any officer has gone against or attacked your fundamental human right in any way, report it to the appropriate authority,” Alabo said. He encouraged individuals unsure of how to proceed to contact the PPRO directly. Both the victim and the accused officer are being investigated, according to Alabo. While the police are aware of the allegations against the officer, they noted that the officer has his own version of events. “We want to assure the general public that this will not happen again,” Alabo said. It was revealed that the officer involved in the incident was not originally part of the Plateau State Police Command. Instead, he was deployed to the state temporarily to carry out specific duties under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police. Despite this, the police have initiated disciplinary action against him. The Plateau State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to addressing misconduct within its ranks. “Appropriate disciplinary action is already being taken against the officer,” Alabo said. He added that the investigation would determine the full extent of the incident and ensure accountability. As the case continues to unfold, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim and maintaining public trust in law enforcement. The police have pledged to follow through with their procedures and provide transparency throughout the process.