VIDEO: I regret joining Nigeria Police – Inspector laments torture, 11-month “unlawful detention”

Diaspora Digital Media has obtained a video clip originally posted by Sahara Reporters, detailing a Nigerian police officer’s regret for joining the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the officer who gave his name as Inspector Patrick, with AP number 231713, his life took a devastating turn after he was wrongfully linked to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and subjected to inhumane treatment by security operatives.

A Routine Journey Turned Nightmare

Patrick, who was last posted at Omuma Police Divisional Headquarters in Orlu, Imo State, said his ordeal began in Ihiala, Anambra State, while he was on his way to visit his wife and six children.

“I was arrested by Ebubeagu operatives after gunmen had attacked their location. Since there were no motorbikes available, I decided to walk. When they stopped me, I identified myself as a police officer and showed them my ID, but they accused me of being involved in the attack,” he recounted, his voice filled with anguish.

Despite providing proof of his identity, Patrick was brutally beaten, shackled, and tortured with knives. “The pain was unbearable. Even when a Nigerian Army officer, Captain Idris, intervened, I was still taken to a police station, chained, and thrown into a cell,” he said.

Unlawful Detention and Systemic Injustice

Patrick spent eight grueling days in detention before being transferred to Awka, where he was held for 11 months and three weeks without trial.

“The DCO at Umi told me I had bad luck and that I might have been better off dead,” he recalled bitterly. His case was repeatedly passed between authorities, with no one taking responsibility. His Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Inspector Chidi, allegedly known for his cruelty, told him to prepare for prison.

“He said I wouldn’t be the first policeman to end up there. I met 11 other policemen in detention, all falsely accused of being IPOB members. I was the only one who survived and was eventually discharged,” Patrick revealed.

Denied Salary and Lingering Health Issues

Even after his release, Patrick’s suffering continued.

He was denied his salary for over 20 months, receiving only one month’s payment out of the 12 months owed to him.

“I have six children, and one of them is critically ill. I can’t afford proper treatment because I have no money,” he said, his voice breaking.

“The trauma and torture also left him with a severe leg infection, further compounding his misery.

“Whenever I look at my legs, I curse the day I joined the Nigerian Police. I served for 23 years, only to be branded an IPOB member and left to suffer,” he lamented.

Appeal for Justice

Patrick is now calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other authorities to intervene in his case.

“I appeal to the IGP to show compassion. My family is suffering, and I need justice. I was cleared of all charges, yet I’m still being punished,” he pleaded.

Efforts by Diaspora Digital Media to reach the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, for comment were unsuccessful as his phone lines were unavailable, and text messages went unanswered at the time of filing this report.

Watch the video interview below:

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