Incident Sparks Outrage on Social Media
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has addressed a viral video circulating on social media, which shows a pregnant woman being manhandled by a police constabulary officer. The video, shared on Facebook by a user identified as Mayor Sylvester, sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from netizens.
In the footage, the pregnant woman is seen being dragged forcefully by officers until she collapses to the ground. The incident reportedly occurred on February 1, 2025, at Idoro Road by Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo, the state capital. Mayor Sylvester, who posted the video, criticized the police for their handling of the situation, describing their actions as “irresponsible” and “animalistic.”
“This is what the Itam Police Station in Akwa Ibom State has turned the Third Party Insurance thing into. They are now acting like animals,” Sylvester wrote. “These are the kind of irresponsible characters recruited into the force. Imagine how a pregnant woman is being rough-handled. I just hope her baby is still alive.”
Public Criticism of Police Tactics
Sylvester further questioned the police’s approach to enforcing third-party insurance regulations, suggesting a more constructive method. He proposed that insurance company representatives should be stationed at police checkpoints to assist motorists with renewals, rather than resorting to forceful measures.
“If the police want to enforce and ensure every vehicle has third-party insurance, why not get the insurance company’s representative to be assigned to every police checkpoint? That way, motorists can renew their insurance on the spot instead of being harassed and dragged to the station,” he added.
Police Command Provides Clarification
In response to the viral video, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command issued a press release on Saturday, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John. The statement sought to provide clarity on the incident and address the public’s concerns.
According to the police, the woman was lawfully stopped for violating traffic regulations, including driving with expired vehicle particulars and lacking valid third-party insurance. As part of standard procedure, a special constabulary officer was assigned to escort her vehicle to the designated police station.
However, the police claimed that the woman did not comply with the directive. Instead, she allegedly diverted to a park in Itam and later to another location within the area. The police spokesperson stated that the woman’s actions endangered the constabulary officer, who was rescued by police personnel in the vicinity, preventing a potential mob attack.
Police Statement in Detail
DSP Timfon John’s statement read: “The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media, misrepresenting an incident that occurred on February 1, 2025. For clarity, the said woman was lawfully stopped for contravening traffic regulations and for driving with expired vehicle particulars and also without a valid third-party insurance at Idoro Road by Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo. As standard procedure, a special constabulary officer was assigned to escort her vehicle to the designated police division.
“However, rather than proceeding as directed to the station, she first diverted to a park in Itam and later to another location within the same area with the constabulary officer in her car, where she suddenly raised a false alarm, endangering him. But for the timely intervention of police personnel around the area, the constabulary officer would have been subjected to mob action.
“While the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Baba Mohammed Azare, does not in any way condone any unprofessional conduct from its personnel, it is important to set the records straight. The matter had since been resolved amicably with the lady and her family.
“We urge members of the public to refrain from spreading misinformation that could incite public unrest. The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all residents.”
Resolution and Call for Calm
The police emphasized that the matter had been resolved amicably with the woman and her family. They also urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation that could incite unrest. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all residents.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between law enforcement and civilians, particularly regarding the methods used to enforce regulations. While the police have clarified their actions and denied any unprofessional conduct, the viral video has sparked a broader conversation about police tactics and the need for more humane approaches to law enforcement.
As the Akwa Ibom State Police Command works to maintain public trust, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective communication in policing. The resolution of the matter with the affected family is a step in the right direction, but it also underscores the need for continued efforts to build positive relationships between the police and the communities they serve.
