Lagos Police Clarify Viral Video, Arrest 13 Over Assault on Taskforce Inspector
The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed a viral social media claim alleging that an officer seen being beaten in a circulated video was caught stealing, describing the narrative as false and misleading.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the officer in the video is an Inspector attached to the Lagos State Taskforce. He was reportedly attacked while carrying out an enforcement operation on Brown Street, Oshodi, in line with the State Government’s ban on wrong parking.
The spokesperson explained that trouble began when the Inspector attempted to stop a motorist who tried to park illegally. The driver allegedly became violent, leading to a confrontation during which the officer accidentally discharged shots onto the road. Debris from the impact was said to have hit some passersby, prompting a mob to gather and descend on the officer, leaving him with serious injuries.
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Adebisi confirmed that the Inspector has been subjected to disciplinary procedures for his unprofessional conduct. Meanwhile, 13 suspects captured assaulting the officer in the viral video have been arrested and are currently in custody. They are expected to be prosecuted at the end of ongoing investigations.
The arrested individuals 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.
Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, condemned the officer’s misconduct but warned strongly against attacks on security personnel. He stressed that assaulting law enforcement officers on lawful duty is a criminal offence and would not be tolerated under any circumstance.
The Command urged the public to desist from spreading misinformation and to continue cooperating with the police in maintaining peace and order across Lagos State.
By PRNigeria
