Policeman arrested for shooting man during argument
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested one of its officers after he shot a young man during a political argument.
The officer, identified as Solomon Damak, is being held at a police facility in Jos, while his orderly room trial begins today (Monday).
The victim, identified as Nyommena Badapba, a resident of the Tudun Wada community, was shot in the shoulder during an argument with a police officer on Sunday.
The debate centered on who would win the state's upcoming governorship election.
During the argument, the policeman was said to have chastised the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, saying he would not win the election because he had nothing to offer, but the victim attempted to defend the governorship candidate, prompting the policeman to shoot him.
The victim, who suffered gunshot wounds to his shoulder, is said to be receiving treatment in a state hospital.
In a statement issued on Monday, Plateau Police Public Relations Officer Alabo Alfred confirmed the officer's detention.
He called the police officer's actions unprofessional.
"The Plateau State Police Command strongly condemns the shooting of an unsuspecting civilian, Mr Nyommena Salah Badapba'm' of Tudun Wada, Jos, by an obstinate member of the Command, Inspr Solomon Damak," according to the statement.
"The circumstance that led to the infliction of the gun injury by the recalcitrant officer does not fit into his professional calling but was done out of vindictiveness which contradicts the attributes of a Nigerian Police officer.
The officer had been arrested in order to prevent him from evading justice. His firearm was recovered, and he was arrested for disciplinary reasons.
"The Plateau Commissioner of Police, CP Bartholomew N. Onyeka, has directed the Divisional Police officer, 'A' Division and other officers to visit the victim at the hospital to know his condition and make arrangements for payment of his medical bills.
"The Command assures members of the public that the Commissioner of Police is a responsible cop who does his job with the fear of God and therefore, will not tolerate any form of misconduct by any officer of his Command irrespective of rank.
"As part of the Force's wholesome practice, the erring officer has been defaulted, and his orderly room trial will begin March 6, 2023," the statement continued.
The CP also guarantees that the disciplinary procedure will not be jeopardized and that the outcome of the proceeding will be made public.
He urged the public to remain calm and law abiding, as the command is doing everything in its power to protect the lives and property of all Plateau residents.
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