The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has addressed a viral video showing officers forcefully handling a pregnant woman in Uyo, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, explained that the confrontation took place on February 1, 2025, at Idoro Road by Atiku Abubakar Way.
The footage, originally shared on Facebook by a user identified as Mayor Sylvester, showed officers dragging the woman until she collapsed. Expressing outrage, Sylvester condemned the officers’ actions, particularly over issues related to third-party vehicle insurance.
“This is what the Itam Police Station in Akwa Ibom State has turned the third-party insurance matter into. They are now acting like animals,” he wrote.
He also suggested an alternative approach to enforcement, stating, “If the police want to ensure compliance, why not have insurance representatives at checkpoints so motorists can renew their policies instead of being harassed and dragged to the station?”
Reacting to the controversy, DSP John stated that the woman had been stopped for driving with expired vehicle documents and without valid third-party insurance. As part of protocol, a special constabulary officer was assigned to escort her vehicle to the police division.
However, according to John, the woman allegedly refused to comply and diverted to multiple locations within the area before raising an alarm that endangered the officer.
“For clarity, the said woman was lawfully stopped for contravening traffic regulations. Instead of proceeding to the station as directed, she diverted to a park in Itam and later to another location within the same area, where she suddenly raised a false alarm endangering the officer,” John stated.
She added that police officers intervened to prevent the situation from escalating into a mob attack against the constabulary officer.
While acknowledging concerns raised by the public, the command emphasized its commitment to professionalism.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Baba Mohammed Azare, does not condone any unprofessional conduct. However, it is important to set the records straight. The matter has since been resolved amicably with the lady and her family,” John assured.
The police urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation that could incite unrest, reiterating their dedication to upholding the law and ensuring residents’ safety.
