The Lagos State Police Command has announced that four of its officers are currently undergoing orderly room trial for unprofessional conduct.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the trial in a statement on Wednesday. Hundeyin also reported that 27 civilians have been arrested for allegedly assaulting police officers on lawful duty, including a traditional ruler.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, ordered the immediate orderly room trial of the entire team of officers seen in a viral video assaulting a suspect who allegedly resisted arrest. Orderly room trial is the initial investigation process for uniformed personnel, with enforced verdicts by the authorities.
Hundeyin detailed an incident where the Alausa Police Division deployed officers to Makinde Odewale Street, Oregun, Ikeja, following numerous complaints about the alleged “flagrant abuse of hard drugs.”
Upon arrival, the officers faced stiff resistance, resulting in serious injury to an Inspector who was stabbed in the head with a broken bottle. The suspects also assaulted the Olu of Alausa and the CDA Chairman. The injured Inspector has since been hospitalized.
A reinforcement team later succeeded in arresting suspects found with substances suspected to be illicit drugs. However, the team’s methods, which were captured on video, were deemed unprofessional and unethical.
“CP Fayoade totally condemns the actions of the police officers as those actions are not in tandem with the values and professional ethics of the Nigeria Police,” Hundeyin stated. He also condemned the actions of the youths in attacking police officers, warning that anyone found culpable would be dealt with according to the law.
The spokesperson noted that the arrested civilians are undergoing screening, with those found innocent set to be released. He assured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, preventing and detecting crime, and apprehending and prosecuting criminals.
