The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media showing an Inspector of Police being beaten, alongside claims that he was caught stealing, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and posted on the Command’s official X handle on Thursday, the police explained that the officer in the video is attached to the Lagos State Taskforce and was on official duty enforcing the state government’s ban on wrong parking along Brown Street, Oshodi.
According to the statement, the Inspector had stopped a motorist attempting to park illegally when the driver became violent, leading to a confrontation.
During the incident, the officer accidentally discharged shots onto the road, causing debris to scatter.
Angry mob gathered immediately, the Inspector was violently attacked and sustained serious injuries.
The Command confirmed that the Inspector has been subjected to disciplinary procedures for unprofessional conduct.
Meanwhile, thirteen suspects seen assaulting the officer in the viral video have been arrested and are currently in police custody. They will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations. 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 condemned the officer’s misconduct but also warned that attacks on police personnel performing lawful duties will not be tolerated.
He reiterated that assaulting law enforcement officers is a criminal offence and will not be condoned under any circumstances.
The Command urged the public to remain calm, desist from spreading misinformation, and cooperate with the police in maintaining law and order across Lagos State.
