Lagos State Police Commissioner condemns maltreatment of Occupy Lekki Tollgate protesters

Lagos State Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu, has condemned the maltreatment of the 40 protesters arrested for participating in the Occupy Lekki Tollgate protest on Saturday, Feb 13.

The suspects, including popular comedian Debo “Mr. Macaroni” Adebayo, were reportedly arrested, stripped, beaten and verbally abused.

A video of the arrested protesters, topless, and sweating as police verbally assaulted them, was shared online over the weekend and generated criticism.

Reacting to the video, Odumosu, in a statement by the command’s spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, ordered immediate investigation and identification of the culprits.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video where some arrested ‘EndsSARS 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.

“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 Procedure 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 their 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.”