NYS Addresses Viral Video of Officer Assaulting Civilian

The National Youth Service (NYS) has clarified that the viral video showing one of its officers assaulting a civilian is not recent. 

In a statement on Sunday, October 4, NYS said the incident occurred two years ago. 

The service noted that the matter was brought to the attention of the relevant authorities and was addressed in accordance with established administrative and legal procedures. 

“The National Youth Service (NYS) is aware of a video currently circulating on social media depicting an altercation involving an NYS officer and a civilian.

“The Service wishes to clarify that the incident is not recent. The matter occurred two years ago and was promptly brought to the attention of the relevant authorities and appropriately dealt with in accordance with established procedures,” read the statement. 

NYS emphasized that it is a disciplined service founded on respect for the law, professionalism, integrity and responsible conduct. 

The service added that it does not condone violence, misconduct or abuse of authority by its personnel. 

“Any conduct inconsistent with these values is addressed through the appropriate administrative and legal mechanisms,” NYS stated. 

Further, NYS urged members of the public not to be alarmed by the video circulating on social media as though it was taken recently. 

“Members of the public are therefore urged not to be alarmed or misled by the recirculation of this old video as though it were a recent incident. 

“The matter was addressed at the time, and the Service remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of discipline and professionalism among its personnel,” NYS added. 

The clarification comes a day after Riara University launched an internal review after a video circulating online appeared to show several female individuals threatening and assaulting another woman in a public bathroom. 

In a statement on Friday, October 2, the university said the footage had drawn attention to the institution after reports emerged that some of the individuals shown could be students at the university. 

"It has come to our attention that some of the individuals depicted in the video are reportedly students at Riara University," the statement read.

Riara University said it did not condone violence or any form of conduct that could undermine the safety and dignity of others.

"Riara University unequivocally condemns violence, intimidation, bullying, harassment or misconduct in any form," the statement added.

According to the university, the reported incident was alleged to have occurred away from its premises. 

However, it said conduct involving its students could still have implications under the institution's rules and values.

"While the alleged event occurred off-campus, such behavior directly contradicts our institutional values and our code of conduct for students," the statement further read.