Nigeria: Rivers youths nab, flog police officer for alleged drug use

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

A disturbing incident has unfolded in Rivers State, where a police officer and two other youths were arrested and flogged by youths in Nkpolu Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, for alleged use of hard drugs. The incident occurred on Saturday, as part of the community’s efforts to curb drug abuse.

According to reports, the youths of Nkpolu community had declared a “No Drug Abuse Campaign” in the area, following reports of high drug use and abuse. Within a week, the youth leadership had arrested and disciplined many users caught in the act. On Saturday, the youths stormed a hideout for drug users and arrested three people, including a police officer serving in the state. The police officer, identified as Joshua Eyong, was flogged alongside the other suspects.

The Youth President of Nkpolu Community, Owhonda Chamberlain, explained that the arrests were part of their efforts to end drug abuse in their community. He lamented that many youths in the area had lost their homes due to drug use and expressed determination to rid the community of the menace. Chamberlain stated, “Nkpolu has decided that there will be no drug dealer, no drug smoker in our community again.”

The Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the police saw the development in a video on social media. She noted that the police officer involved has denied involvement in drug use, and an investigation has been launched into the incident.