The Anambra State Police Command has clarified a viral video showing a confrontation between police operatives attached to B Division and court bailiffs during an alleged enforcement of a court order.
The Command, in a statement by its spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the video circulating on social media captured only part of the incident and could not provide the full circumstances leading to the encounter.
According to the police, preliminary findings showed that its operatives responded to a distress call over the presence of unidentified persons and a reported disturbance at a premises within the division’s jurisdiction.
Ikenga said the officers, on arrival, met some persons allegedly evicting occupants and removing properties from the premises. The operatives reportedly approached them to ascertain their identities and the purpose of the exercise.
He said a disagreement subsequently occurred before the persons identified themselves as court bailiffs acting on the authority of a court order.
The Command explained that preliminary information indicated that the police division had not been approached for security assistance before the enforcement exercise commenced.
It said that after the officers were informed that the persons were court bailiffs acting pursuant to a court order, they advised them on the appropriate procedure for requesting police security during such exercises and subsequently withdrew from the scene.
The police spokesman stressed that the command respects the authority and independence of the judiciary and remains committed to providing lawful security support for the enforcement of valid court orders where such assistance is duly requested.
The Command, however, said it had taken note of concerns generated by the incident and had engaged relevant parties to establish the complete facts.
It urged members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid drawing conclusions from isolated video clips circulating on social media, particularly where such footage does not show the full circumstances surrounding an incident.
The Command said it would provide further information where necessary after concluding its ongoing assessment.
