The soldier who was in viral video flogging curfew violators in Ilesha, has been identified as an Airforce officer and arrested.
The viral video shows the moment the soldier delivered some ‘hot whiplashes’ on the buttocks of civilians who were soaked in mud.
According to reports, the civilians disobeyed the curfew that was imposed in Osun State and they received the punishment from the soldiers so as not to repeat the action another time.
However, the Nigeria Air Force in a statement released on Wednesday, October 28th revealed that the officers have been arrested and investigation has commenced.
The statement read,
“The attention of Nigeria Air Force has been drawn to a video showing some personnel flogging/meting out corporal punishment on suspected hoodlums involved in criminal activities during the imposed curfew in Ilesha.
We wish to inform the general public that Nigeria Air Force has identified all the personnel involved in the incident & placed them on close arrest, while investigation to determine their level culpability has commenced, after which appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
Nigeria Air Force as a professional & disciplined force, does not condone such irresponsible acts & has zero tolerance for human rights violations, in whatever guise, even against suspected criminals; as all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
The acts depicted in the video are at variance with our core values, as we place high premium on the rights of citizens. We wish to reassure that our personnel have been directed on professional conduct to ensure security, whilst remaining accountable to the Nigerian people.”
