The Lagos Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered an immediate investigation of the alleged maltreatment and dehumanisation of the #OccupyLekkiTollgate protesters.
Naija News reports over 40 protesters were arrested by officers of the Lagos Police Command at the Lekki Tollgate and later stripped of their clothing, beaten, and lumped together in a van.
The youths, including popular comedian Debo Adebayo alias Mr. Macaroni, were taunted by policemen before they were eventually charged to court on Saturday evening.
However, wide criticisms have trailed the images and videos of the ill treatment meted out to the youths, which surfaced on social media, which has led to Nigerians condemning the action of the police.
Reacting to the disturbing videos, Odumosu, in a statement by the command’s spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, ordered immediate investigation and identification of the culprits.
The statement read: “The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video where some arrested “Endsars protesters” were being molested in a bus by some individuals after their arrest.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, who was piqued by this unprofessional and inhuman act, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State CID, Panti, DCP Adegoke Fayoade, to analyse the video and bring to book whoever that must have been responsible for the act.
“CP Hakeem Odumosu reiterates that, in as much the command is resolute in enforcing all laws in the state, it will not deviate from the Standard Operating Prosecure of the Nigeria Police Force and provisions of the law in discharging its duties; noting that the command will fish out those responsible for the molestation and ensure they are punished for thier unprofessional conduct.
“He further urges Lagosians to be law-abiding and maintain peace at all times as the police and other security agencies will not allow any violence nor break down of law and order in any part of the state.”