Addis Ababa Police announced that Deputy Sergeant Ashebir Gemjaw and Assistant Sergeant Nathaniel Belay, members of the Lideta Sub-City Police Department, have been arrested and are being investigated for committing an inhuman act by dragging an individual to the ground.

The Addis Ababa Police Headquarters said this following the spread of a video on social media showing police officers dragging a man to the ground by his hair.

The police said in a statement that the incident occurred on August 27, 2025, when these police officers were carrying out their regular duties, when they found and arrested individuals who were using drugs in a vehicle in an area called Balcha School at approximately 4:00 AM.

The statement added that the two police officers have been arrested and are being investigated, and stressed that police leadership and members should respect human rights when carrying out their professional responsibilities.

The Addis Ababa Police General Directorate has stated that legal action will continue to be taken against police officers who violate ethics.