Man in Viral Video Allegedly Brutalised by Anambra Officials

Reports indicate that a group claiming to be members of the Anambra State Anti-Touts Squad has reportedly assaulted a middle-aged man, leaving him in a coma, for reasons yet to be confirmed.

A circulating video on social media captured the suspected anti-touting officials striking the man with a short pestle while interrogating him about undisclosed allegations.

One of the operatives, not in uniform, was seen repeatedly hitting the victim with the pestle on his legs and ankles as he struggled in distress on the ground.

Amidst the victim’s pleas for a chance to explain, the operatives callously continued their assault, disregarding his cries and appeals for mercy.

The victim, in the video, mentioned his wife’s pregnancy as he begged for his life, but the operatives callously insisted on causing harm, dismissing his pleas with threats of death.

The operatives also interrogated him about a fee allegedly handled by his brother at Niger Street, Onitsha, which they claimed he was benefiting from.

The video has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning why such brutal treatment was meted out by the Anti-tout officials instead of involving the police for proper investigation and legal action.

Allegedly occurring in Onitsha, a commercial hub in Anambra State, the victim has been rushed to the hospital and is reported to be in critical condition.

When contacted for a statement, the state police command spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated no official report had been received regarding the incident involving the Anambra State Special Anti-touting Squad.

Ikenga mentioned, “I don’t have information on this matter, and we are currently looking into it to gather more details.”

The Public Relations Officer for the Anambra Anti-Touts Squad, Nweke Nweke, mentioned that an official statement would be released in due time.

Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo established the State Anti-Touts Squad in 2023 to address the rising issue of touting in the state.