The Anambra State Police Command has commenced an assessment of an incident involving police operatives attached to B Division, Awka, and court bailiffs who were carrying out a court-ordered enforcement exercise.
The development followed the circulation of a video on social media showing an encounter between the police operatives and the court bailiffs during the execution of the court order.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command said the video captured only part of the incident and did not provide the full circumstances leading to the encounter.
According to the command, preliminary information indicated that the police operatives were responding to a distress call concerning the presence of unidentified persons and a reported disturbance at a premises within the division’s jurisdiction.
The police said that upon arrival, the operatives met individuals allegedly engaged in the eviction of persons and removal of properties from the premises.
The officers reportedly approached the individuals and requested identification and clarification regarding the activities taking place.
The interaction, however, resulted in a disagreement before the persons involved identified themselves as court bailiffs executing an enforcement exercise pursuant to a court order.
The command further stated that, based on preliminary findings, the police division had not been approached beforehand to provide security support for the enforcement exercise.
It said that after being informed that the individuals were court bailiffs acting pursuant to a court order, the police operatives advised them on the appropriate procedure for requesting police security during such exercises and subsequently withdrew from the scene.
The command stressed that it respects the authority and independence of the judiciary and remains committed to providing lawful security support for the enforcement of valid court orders where such assistance is duly requested and required.
It added that it was also committed to ensuring that enforcement activities were carried out peacefully and in accordance with the law.
The police said it had taken note of concerns generated by the incident and had engaged relevant parties as part of efforts to establish the complete facts.
The command urged members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid drawing conclusions solely from isolated video clips circulating online, particularly where such footage does not capture the full circumstances surrounding an incident.
The police assured that further developments would be communicated after the ongoing assessment is concluded.
The statement was signed by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Awka.
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