17 Nigerian nationals and one Ugandan were arrested on Sunday night, in connection with the attack on police personnel by a group of African men, while on duty at the Flora Damansara apartment in Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, last Thursday.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said the men were detained to facilitate investigation into the incident.
In the incident, Four policemen from the Commercial Crime Investigation Department, Petaling Jaya district police headquarters (IPD) were attacked while trying to arrest a Nigerian man suspected of being involved in fraudulent activities.
According to local media, the four police personnel who received information about a suspect in a cheating case conducted the raid at the location at 10.50pm.
“They observed the unit for a few minutes before they saw some movement inside the house. They knocked on the door and called for the occupants for a few minutes but there was no answer before they charged in,”
Checks found three African women and two African men in the house.
“The policemen showed their ID and introduced themselves as cops before asking the Africans for their identification documents. However, they refused to oblige and acted aggressively towards the police. When the police tried to calm the situation, a group of African men showed up at the house and screamed at the police to leave,”
The group then became more aggressive and started throwing bottles, sticks and shoes at the policemen.
“During the tense moment, three of the policemen were pulled out while another one was pushed inside the house. The five suspects in the house took the advantage to escape during the scuffle. When one of the policemen tried to apprehend one of the suspects, he was hit with a desk drawer, stepped on and punched in the face.”
Another police officer then called for backup before eight policemen arrived at 12.01am, causing all the Africans to flee.
The injured policeman was taken to University of Malaya Medical Centre for treatment. Some policemen were also missing their wallets, mobile phones and motorcycle keys during the incident.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador confirmed that so far 18 people have been detained to assist investigations into the incident which was described as a violent and irresponsible act.
“The attack is unacceptable and we will not tolerate such violence. Our investigation is not focused on just one nationality,“ he told a press conference after launching the Autisme.
The incident also caught the attention of Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who in condemning the incident said the government would not compromise with anyone who violates the law or obstructs the police in performing their duties.
“I have instructed for a full investigation on those involved and for stern action to be taken as provided by the law. I would like to emphasise that foreigners who come to this country must behave accordingly and abide by the rules of this country,“ he said in a statement on Monday.
Meanwhile, Selangor Criminal Investigation Department chief Fadzil Amat said police would apply for a remand order on the eight Nigerian men at the Petaling Jaya Court today.
“We will also request for an extension of the remand order for the 10 Nigerian men who were arrested on the night of the incident,“ he said.
