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| DPO Ipaja Police Divisional Headquarters |
Lagos, Nigeria - A Twitter user, @omorhemi, claimed that Nigerian police allegedly harassed her friend's husband, leading to his tragic death. The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Federal bus stop on Ipaja-Ayobo road.
According to @omorhemi, the police stopped the victim, who was riding a motorcycle, and searched him. They allegedly accused him of being a "yahoo boy" and intimidated him with a cocked gun. The victim fled and unfortunately fell into a canal. Despite being rescued and hospitalized, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, swiftly responded on Twitter, stating that the police had been verifying the claim. Initially, no records of the incident were found, but an investigation is ongoing.
After further investigation, the police visited the scene and gathered eyewitness accounts. Contrary to the initial allegations, witnesses reported that the victim was riding against traffic and jumped off the motorcycle upon seeing the police. Despite warnings from bystanders, he ran into the canal.
The police clarified that their officers did not speak with, touch, or chase the victim. They stopped their vehicle and searched for him after he jumped into the canal but left when they believed he had evaded them.
Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, assured the public that unprofessional conduct by officers would not be tolerated.
This incident highlights concerns about police conduct and citizen safety in Nigeria.
