In a powerful testament to the influence of social media in seeking justice, six police officers from the Rivers State Police Command have been arrested for their roles in a brutal assault on a man, an incident that was captured in a viral video. The arrest was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force as a direct response to the widespread public outrage.

The disturbing video, which circulated widely across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, showed the officers some of whom were not in approved police uniforms assaulting a man at a junction in the Emohua Local Government Area. In the footage, one of the officers, brandishing an assault rifle, is seen slapping the man, who repeatedly asks what his offence was. The man’s plea was met with more aggression, which onlookers caught on their phones.

Following the viral outrage, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, released an official statement on social media confirming that the officers had been apprehended. “These men have been arrested, and their commander will personally bring them to the Force Headquarters for further actions,” Adejobi tweeted. He described the actions of the officers as a disgrace to the Force and a complete violation of human rights.

This incident has once again brought the issue of police brutality to the forefront of national discourse. Civil society organizations have long argued that without public transparency and accountability, police misconduct will continue unchecked. While the Force’s swift response is being commended, many are urging for the trial and any subsequent punishment to be made public to demonstrate a genuine commitment to reform.

For now, the six officers remain in police custody as they await an “orderly room trial,” a process that will determine their fate. The victim, whose identity has not been officially released, is being encouraged to come forward to assist in the investigation and ensure the officers face the full wrath of the law. The case serves as a stark reminder that while the police are meant to protect citizens, it is often a vigilant public, armed with camera phones, that holds them accountable.