Kaduna State Police Command, Rigasa Division, has arrested a knife-wielding police officer who was captured in a viral video assaulting and attempting to stab a staff of Kaduna Electric, one of the power distribution companies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
A police officer identified as Inspector Aminu Yahaya Bidda, with a knife strapped at his side, attached to the Tudun Wada Police Station in the Kaduna Metropolis assaulted and made several attempts at stabbing officials of the Electricity Distribution Company.
A statement issued by Kaduna Electric said a petition had officially been sent to the Command, praying that the police officer be investigated and charged for assault, attempted murder, harassment and intimidation of staff.
While seeking the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a thorough investigation, Kaduna Electric also sought the police commissioner to intervene in the matter and ensure its staff protection is guaranteed to carry out lawful official duties in the area without any form of hindrance.
The statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, Kaduna Electric, said the action of the police officer is not only against the law but could also set a dangerous precedent and pose a serious threat to the fragile peace currently being enjoyed in the State.
“The action of the police officer, to say the least, is in sharp contrast with the law and Police Code of conduct; the relevant Police Authority shall be petitioned for appropriate administrative actions and subsequent prosecution,” the statement said.
It added that Inspector Aminu Yahaya Bidda “viciously attacked the staff of the company on lawful duty who was at his house at Rimaye Road, Hayin Danmani, for a routine inspection of his pre-paid meter.”
According to Kaduna Electric, the investigation has shown that the customer vented for electricity only twice this year.
Eyewitnesses said the Kaduna Electric staff had arrived at the officer’s home to inspect his meter for suspected bypass.
The situation escalated rapidly when the officer, visibly agitated as seen on a video trending online, brandished a knife and attempted several times to deliver a fatal blow to the electricity worker. The employee was fortunate to have escaped unharmed.
Unfortunately, a passer-by who tried to intervene sustained actual bodily harm injuries to the leg.
The violent incident has sparked discussions about the safety of utility workers and the challenges they face in enforcing regulations.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com