The Lagos State Police Command has responded to a viral video showing an Inspector of Police accused of theft and being beaten by a mob, describing the claims against the officer as false and misleading.
In a statement on December 11, the command’s spokesperson, SP Adebisi, clarified that the Inspector is attached to the Lagos State Taskforce and was on official duty enforcing the state government’s ban on illegal parking along Brown Street, Oshodi.
During the operation, the officer stopped a motorist attempting to park illegally, which led to a confrontation when the motorist became violent. In the course of the incident, the Inspector accidentally discharged his firearm, causing debris to affect some bystanders. A mob subsequently gathered and attacked the officer, who sustained serious injuries.
SP Adebisi stated that the Inspector has been subjected to disciplinary measures in line with police procedures for his unprofessional conduct during the incident. Thirteen individuals captured in the viral video assaulting the officer have been arrested and are in police custody, awaiting prosecution. The suspects include Dele Oriade, 39; Adekunle Olalere, 40; Mudashiru Olamilekan, 28; Anayo Achusie, 34; Joshua Enwonyin, 24; Okoro Okechukwu, 26; Rilwan Lateef, 32; Damilare Odebode, 22; Haruna Aleshi, 25; Sodiq Omoniyi, 26; Chukwudi Patience, 25; Godstime Okafor, 26; and Chinedu Divine, 29.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, condemned the unprofessional conduct of the personnel involved but strongly warned against attacks on law enforcement officers performing their duties. He reiterated that assaulting police officers is a criminal offense and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
