The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has responded to a viral video circulating on social media, providing clarification on an incident involving a female motorist and a police constabulary officer.
In a press release issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John on Saturday, the command stated that the incident occurred on February 1, 2025, at Idoro Road by Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo, the state capital.
The viral footage, shared on Facebook by a user identified as Mayor Sylvester, captured the moment officers manhandled the pregnant woman, dragging her forcefully until she collapsed to the ground.
Condemning the act, Sylvester wrote, “This is what the Itam Police Station in Akwa Ibom State has turned the Third Party Insurance thing into. They are now acting like animals.
“These are the kind of irresponsible characters recruited into the force. Imagine how a pregnant woman is being rough-handled. I just hope her baby is still alive.”
He further questioned the forceful approach taken by the police, suggesting that insurance representatives should be stationed at checkpoints to assist motorists with renewals rather than resorting to forceful measures.
“If the police want to enforce and ensure every vehicle has third-party insurance, why not get the insurance company’s representative to be assigned to every police checkpoint?
“That way, motorists can renew their insurance on the spot instead of being harassed and dragged to the station,” he added.
However, in her response, the police spokesman explained that the woman was lawfully stopped for violating traffic regulations, including driving with expired vehicle particulars and lacking valid third-party insurance.
She added that as part of standard procedure, a special constabulary officer was assigned to escort her vehicle to the designated police station.
She said, rather than complying, the woman allegedly diverted to a park in Itam and later to another location within the area.
John further noted that the officer was rescued by police personnel in the vicinity, preventing what could have escalated into a mob attack.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) she wrote , “The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media, misrepresenting an incident that occurred on February 1, 2025.
“For clarity, the said woman was lawfully stopped for contravening traffic regulations and for driving with expired vehicle particulars and also without a valid third-party insurance at Idoro Road by Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo. As standard procedure, a special constabulary officer was assigned to escort her vehicle to the designated police division.
“However, rather than proceeding as directed to the station, she first diverted to a park in Itam and later to another location within the same area with the constabulary officer in her car, where she suddenly raised a false alarm endangering him.
“But for the timely intervention of police personnel around the area, the constabulary officer would have been subjected to mob action.
“While the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Baba Mohammed Azare, does not in any way condone any unprofessional conduct from its personnel, it is important to set the records straight. The matter had since been resolved amicably with the lady and her family.
“We urge members of the public to refrain from spreading misinformation that could incite public unrest. The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all residents.”
