Lagos police react to viral video of officer beaten
The Lagos State Police Command has reacted to a viral video showing one of its officers being beaten by a crowd after he was accused of theft, dismissing the online narrative as false and misleading. In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the command said the officer in the footage was actually on official duty enforcing a ban on illegal parking along Brown Street, Oshodi, when the situation escalated. The police clarified that the viral claim he was caught stealing had no basis in fact and urged the public not to spread misinformation.
According to the police, the inspector had stopped a motorist for parking violations when the driver became violent, leading to a confrontation. During the scuffle, the officer’s firearm accidentally discharged, scattering debris that injured some bystanders and attracted a crowd. It was that crowd that then attacked the officer, leaving him seriously injured, the Lagos command explained.
The police said the officer has since been placed under internal disciplinary procedures for what they described as unprofessional conduct during the incident. At the same time, 13 individuals captured in the viral video assaulting the officer have been arrested and are now in custody, with plans to prosecute them after investigations are completed.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh condemned the violent attack on the law enforcement officer, warning that any assault on police personnel performing lawful duties is a criminal offence that will not be tolerated. The command also called on residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and avoid sharing unverified claims.
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