The Lagos State Police Command has refuted claims circulating in a viral video alleging that an Inspector of Police was caught stealing and subsequently beaten by a mob.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 11, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adebisi, described the allegations as false and misleading, clarifying that the officer is attached to the Lagos State Taskforce.
According to her, the Inspector was on official duty enforcing the state government’s ban on wrongful parking along Brown Street, Oshodi, when he stopped a motorist attempting to park illegally. The motorist allegedly became violent, sparking a confrontation.
“During the incident, the Inspector accidentally discharged shots onto the road, and debris from the impact affected some passersby. The mob immediately gathered and violently attacked the Inspector, leaving him with serious injuries,” Adebisi said.
She confirmed that the officer has been subjected to disciplinary measures in line with police procedures for his unprofessional conduct.
The spokesperson further disclosed that 13 suspects captured in the viral video assaulting the officer have been arrested and are currently in custody. They will be prosecuted at the conclusion of investigations.
The suspects were identified as:
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).
While condemning the Inspector’s misconduct, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, warned sternly against attacks on police officers performing lawful duties. He stressed that assaulting law enforcement personnel is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
