Bouncers Beaten, 10 Injured As Police Raid Abia Hotel Over Suya Dispute

Police on Sunday night invaded a popular entertainment and hospitality company in Abia State after a dispute over suya meat.

One of the victims told THE WHISTLER on Monday morning that an officer had arrived at the De Latinos, an entertainment and hospitality centre with suya but was denied entry as a company policy.

Angered by not being granted access, the police officer invited his colleagues who began to “tear gas us.

“I am injured. I can barely walk, I was just lucky that some people helped me by carrying me out of the place where I was lying helpless”, she said.

Speaking with THE WHISTLER, the CEO of the company, Mr. Emmanuel Okenini, while condemning the attack, stated that the company had a strict policy against bringing in outside food and drinks.

He explained that, “It all started when a police officer in mufti attempted to enter the De Latinos premises with suya meat.

“The company, which has a strict policy against bringing in outside food and drinks, denied him entry.

“Despite being repeatedly informed of this rule by the bouncers, the officer insisted on gaining access with the suya meats.

“Frustrated by the refusal, the officer allegedly called for reinforcements. Soon after, a group of armed police officers, accompanied by some soldiers, stormed the premises.

“In the chaos that followed, one of the bouncers was severely beaten and forcibly taken away in a police vehicle, bleeding heavily,” he said.

He added that, “The situation escalated further around 10pm when another officer, a female police officer, arrived at the premises with her family, also carrying suya meat.

“When she was also denied entry, another wave of police officers arrived, this time in three to four pickup trucks, surrounding the entire De Latinos premises,” he said.

The CEO however said he had spoken with the police Divisional Officer, who expressed displeasure over the incident, and promised to launch an investigation.

Attempts by THE WHISTLER to reach the Abia State Police PRO DSP Maureen Chinaka, was not successful as her line was not going through as of the time of this report.

Bouncers Beaten, 10 Injured As Police Raid Abia Hotel Over Suya Dispute is first published on The Whistler Newspaper