Plateau Police Detain Officer Over Shooting at Checkpoint

A police officer in Nigeria's Plateau State is in custody after allegedly shooting an unarmed trader at a checkpoint, sparking renewed concerns about police conduct and accountability.

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The DPO, Riyom Division, came there immediately. He got the information with his men, disarmed the officer and took him immediately to the State CID, where he is currently undergoing questioning and a disciplinary process.

The incident occurred on August 11 in Riyom Local Government Area when the trader, identified as Danladi, was stopped while transporting vegetables. According to the Plateau State Police Command, the officer involved has been disarmed and taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department for questioning and disciplinary proceedings.

Alfred Alabo, the command's spokesperson, confirmed the event and stated that the Divisional Police Officer of Riyom Division immediately responded, disarmed the officer, and brought him in for questioning. The Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, who assumed office on the same day as the shooting, has directed the DPO to monitor the victim's condition at the hospital.

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My mandate is ambitious but clear: ‘TO MAKE POLICING IN PLATEAU STATE A POSITIVE MODEL FOR OTHERS.’

Commissioner Faniyan, addressing the press on August 14, pledged to make human rights, professionalism, and accountability central to his administration. He vowed to discourage brutality and other vices that tarnish the police image, promising to curb excesses and unnecessary aggression against citizens. Faniyan declared a zero-tolerance policy for unprofessional conduct, emphasizing adherence to due process and respect for human dignity. He aims to make policing in Plateau State a positive model for others, urging public cooperation and promising to uphold human rights-centered policing.

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My mandate is ambitious but clear: ‘TO MAKE POLICING IN PLATEAU STATE A POSITIVE MODEL FOR OTHERS.’