The Lagos State Police Command has responded to a viral video showing an Inspector of Police being beaten by a mob after allegations of theft. The command clarified that the claims against the officer are false and misleading.
In a statement released on December 11, SP Adebisi, the command’s spokesperson, said the officer involved is attached to the Lagos State Taskforce. He was on official duty enforcing the state government’s ban on illegal parking along Brown Street, Oshodi, when he stopped a motorist attempting to park improperly. The encounter escalated after the motorist became violent, leading to a confrontation in which the Inspector accidentally discharged his firearm onto the road. Debris from the incident affected bystanders, prompting a mob to gather and attack the officer, who sustained serious injuries.
SP Adebisi noted that the Inspector has been subjected to disciplinary measures for unprofessional conduct in line with police procedures. Thirteen individuals seen in the viral footage assaulting the officer have since been arrested and are currently in police custody pending 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 Lagos State Commissioner of Police condemned the unprofessional conduct of the officer involved but strongly warned the public against attacking law enforcement personnel performing their lawful duties. He reiterated that assaulting police officers is a criminal offense and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.