Police hold orderly room trial of cop who shot man during argument

The Plateau State Police Command will hold an orderly‑room trial on Monday for Police Officer Solomon Damak, who is accused of shooting a young man during a political argument. Damak is being detained at a police facility in Jos, the state capital.

The victim, identified as Nyommena Badapba of the Tudun Wada community, was shot in the shoulder on Sunday while debating the upcoming governorship election. According to reports, Damak disparaged the All Progressives Congress candidate, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, claiming he would not win because he had nothing to offer. Badapba attempted to defend the candidate, and the confrontation escalated, leading the officer to fire his weapon. Badapba is currently receiving treatment at a state hospital.

Plateau Police Public Relations Officer Alabo Alfred confirmed the officer’s detention in a statement, describing the shooting as unprofessional and vindictive, contrary to the duties of a Nigerian police officer. “The Plateau State Police Command condemns in strong terms the shooting of an unsuspecting civilian, Mr Nyommena Salah Badapba of Tudun Wada, Jos, by an obstinate member of the Command, Inspector Solomon Damak,” the statement read. “The circumstances that led to the gunshot injury do not fit his professional calling and were driven by vindictiveness.”

Damak’s firearm has been recovered, and he remains in custody pending disciplinary action. Commissioner of Police CP Bartholomew N. Onyeka has ordered the Divisional Police Officer of ‘A’ Division and other officers to visit the victim in the hospital, assess his condition, and arrange payment of his medical expenses. The Commissioner emphasized that he will not tolerate misconduct by any officer, regardless of rank, and assured the public that the disciplinary process will be transparent and its outcome made public.

The erring officer has been defaulted, and his orderly‑room trial is scheduled to begin on March 6, 2023. CP Onyeka urged the public to remain calm, continue abiding by the law, and assured that the command is doing everything within its power to protect the lives and property of all Plateau residents.