Lagos State Police Command has taken five of its personnel, including an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, into custody over their alleged involvement in the assault of a motorist.
Their arrest followed the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, after a viral video surfaced online showing the officers assaulting the driver during a routine stop-and-search operation.
According to a senior officer, the incident occurred while the policemen were demanding the motorist’s vehicle documents. In the footage circulating on social media, one of the officers could be seen slapping the driver.
CP Jimoh, while condemning the act, described the conduct of the officers as “unacceptable and unprofessional,” stressing that such behaviour would not be tolerated under his watch. He immediately ordered their detention and directed that a comprehensive investigation be carried out.
The Commissioner also disbanded the Tactical Squad to which the officers belonged, assuring Lagos residents that disciplinary measures would be enforced against any personnel found guilty of misconduct.
Confirming the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said preliminary investigations warranted the detention of the officers.
“The officers will face an orderly room trial in line with established disciplinary procedures to ensure that justice is done swiftly and transparently,” Hundeyin explained.
He announced the immediate dissolution of the implicated Tactical Squad, adding that a new unit has been constituted, made up of officers expected to uphold professionalism and international best practices in policing.
