The commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Andrew Amiengheme, has ordered the arrest and detention of one Joweigha Michael, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, over the death of one Kubiat Isaac, a prospective National Youths Service Corp member.
According to Punch, Isaac, a graduate of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, was said to have been arrested on Sunday, August 29, by the police officers attached to B Division, Ewet Housing Estate.
According to the deceased’s family, the initial effort to ascertain the whereabouts of Isaac proved abortive as they claimed that the police did not document his arrest in any police station.
Reacting to the incident, Odiko Macdon, the police public relations officer in Akwa Ibom, said Isaac was beaten to death in police custody.
“The CP ordered for the immediate arrest and detention for questioning of ASP Joweigha Michael who preliminary investigation revealed was the officer who effected the arrest of the late Isaac,” Macdon said in a statement.
“It is expedient to state that the said late Kubiat Isaac was being investigated for the offense of suspected armed robbery and cultism and had been evading arrest for some time.
“He was traced to and arrested at Eni Stores in Uyo on Aug. 29 and taken in for questioning.
“On arrival at the Division Police Station, the DPO ordered that he be transferred to the State CID where the case was pending for discreet investigation.
“Unfortunately, the suspect said he was sick. He was then taken to the police clinic for treatment but gave up the ghost in the process.”
He said that the CP has ordered for an autopsy to be conducted to determine what killed the suspect.
“The CP, who has great respect for fundamental rights, notes that contemporary policing isn’t about torture and should not be tolerated,” the police spokesman said.
Macdon said the CP has assured that a diligent and transparent investigation would be conducted.
While consoling with the family over the untimely death, the CP assured that the officer would face the full weight of the law if found culpable and would be held accountable for his action.