The Lagos Police Command has cleared the air on the alleged brutality video circulating in the media.
In the said video, police officers were allegedly seen assaulting a suspect and the whole process captured on camera.
According to the release by the command, the story was being told from one angle in order to discredit the force.
The release, which was signed by Superintendent of Police, Muyiwa Odejobi, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, stated that the inspector captured in the video is Stephen Inumanu, attached to Igando Police Station, Lagos State, and was deployed on a routine Stop and Search duty on 18th of September, 2020 at about 13:15hours, with two other team members, at Isuti Road in Egan area, Lagos State.
While on duty, the team sighted two nervous young men who took to their heels for the unexpected presence of police men but the team gave them a fierce chase and one Stephen Ade “m” 28 year old, threw a micro wallet to his partner, who escaped in another direction; then, two of the policemen chased the escapee but to no avail.
In the spirit of cooperation, Inspector Stephen Inumama, was assisted by two spirited civilians(members of the public) who witnessed the episode, chased and arrested the said Stephen Ade “m”, who practically refused arrest as captured in the video, but with the aid of the members of the public, he was subdued within the use of minimum force, without assault whatsoever, from the arm bearing Inspector.
The Command wishes to state categorically that the trending video was borne out of mischief to discredit the collective image of the police by folks who are uncomfortable with police presence or visibility of officers on the road or around them, regardless of how courteous.
Without mincing words, the video was carefully edited by the sender to remove barrage of insults the suspect hauled on the police officer in the presence of civilians, as customary of mischief makers.
The Command therefore urges the general public to regard the video as baseless and calculated attempt to malign the efforts of the Nigeria Police in maintaining law and order in the society; while the Command reiterates its commitment to discharging its duties with diligence, human feelings and respect for the rule of law and human rights.
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