A police officer serving under the Woji Division in Port Harcourt, Inspector Joshua Nyian, has become the center of controversy after he was publicly paraded, beaten, and accused of drug use by youths in Nkpolu Rumuigbo community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident, which took place on Saturday, August 24, has stirred public debate after videos emerged on social media showing the officer and two other young men being interrogated and flogged by community youths. The videos also show the officer holding what was alleged to be a pipe used for smoking crystal meth, locally known as “mpurumiri.”
The action was led by the Youth President of the community, Owhonda Chamberlain, who said the officer and the others were caught during a community-led crackdown on drug abuse. Chamberlain claimed that the fight against hard drugs in Nkpolu Rumuigbo is necessary because of the rise in mental health issues and criminal activities linked to drug use among the youths.
“We’ve seen many of our young people lose their minds due to these drugs. Some have sold off their personal property to keep up their addiction. We had to act,” Chamberlain told journalists.
He confirmed that the three suspects, including the police officer, were flogged as a form of punishment. According to him, the officer was caught in possession of drug-related paraphernalia and was participating in drug activities rather than protecting the law.
Chamberlain also alleged that following the incident, the officer returned to the community with fellow police personnel to arrest him, leading to more tension in the area.
In a swift response, the Rivers State Police Command dismissed the drug allegation, describing it as false and malicious. According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the incident was not about drugs but about a personal grudge involving the youth president and the officer over a woman in the community.
She said the youth leader may have framed the officer after learning that he had initiated marriage rites with a woman they were both reportedly interested in.
According to the official police report, Inspector Nyian had stopped by to see the woman, who is pregnant for him, on his way back from work when he was suddenly accosted by Chamberlain and about twenty other youths.
“He was beaten, dragged to the road, had his phone and police ID card seized, and was forcefully stripped of ₦78,000, which he had on him,” the police said.
The officer has since given a statement and received a medical form for treatment, according to the police.
The command also confirmed that Chamberlain has been invited for questioning, and investigations are ongoing.
The Rivers State Police Command has condemned the actions of the youths, warning against jungle justice and taking the law into their own hands. The Command said that regardless of the allegations, there are lawful ways to report and investigate such cases.
“No matter the circumstance, no citizen has the right to assault or parade another person without due process. If there are allegations of wrongdoing, they should be reported through proper channels,” SP Iringe-Koko said.
The Command assured the public that justice will be served, and all sides will have the opportunity to present their evidence. The case is expected to draw further attention as investigations continue.
The public reaction has been divided. While some community members and social media users praised the youths for taking a stand against drug abuse, others criticised the act as unlawful, especially the public beating of a uniformed officer without a court ruling.
Meanwhile, calls have increased for both the Nigeria Police Force and community leaders to address drug-related problems through partnerships and sensitization instead of violence and public shaming.
