The Eastern Regional Police Command is awaiting a formal complaint from Aglebe Dodzi, the victim of police brutality at the Railways Police Station at Koforidua before a criminal investigation can commence.
The Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, Sergeant Francis Gomado, told Citi News that “before we pursue the crime aspect, a complainant or victim must lodge an official complaint for a criminal investigation to be conducted into their [the police officer’s] conduct.”
“There are two dimensions to it. Number one: the police officers involved have breached our code of conduct so administratively, the police administration will pursue them administratively. On the other side, certainly, it is a crime.”
In a video that went viral, two police officers, identified as General Sergeant Patrick Amoako and General Lance Corporal Isaac Marfo were seen beating up a handcuffed suspect who was arrested for alleged theft.
The two officers were whipping the suspect, who was half-naked, in what looked like an office.
The acting Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong Boanuh has since directed the interdiction of the two police officers.
According to The Chronicle Newspaper, the officers used the rubber material of bicycle tyres to beat the suspect, who was accused of stealing GHc 1,600 from his employer.
The suspect’s father, Alegbe Daniel told The Chronicle that his son was illegally detained from Friday until he was granted bail on Monday without medical attention.
Speaking to Citi News later, the victim’s father demanded compensation to make up for the abuse their son suffered.
“The family will meet tomorrow about compensation and at the appropriate time, we will let the public known. Those who did the thing, I think they are state officials so if the state wants to compensate, I will take it. The family will demand for compensation for our child.”
