Lagos Police Probing Officers Over Assault Video

A viral video of police officers allegedly assaulting a gold seller in Lagos has sparked outrage and prompted the Lagos State Police Command to launch an investigation.

The video, shared on social media by an X user identified as @ChuksEricE, showed the victim being stopped and searched by the officers in the Festac area of Lagos. According to the victim, a gold seller, he was on his way to deliver a necklace when he was stopped by the officers.

But the officers, allegedly not properly dressed in police uniforms and arriving in an unregistered bus, accused him of using a scale to measure cannabis. The victim denied any wrongdoing, but the officers allegedly refused to listen.

Instead, they attempted to force him into the vehicle. The victim claimed one of the officers struck him on the head with a gun before he was allegedly beaten.

The Lagos State Police Command, reacting to the video, said in a statement that it had commenced an investigation into the incident after reviewing the footage. The command identified the officers involved as personnel attached to Area E Command.

It added that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, had directed the Area Commander to produce the officers at the command Headquarters for further investigation and disciplinary action.

### Investigation Underway

The police command also appealed to the victim to assist with the investigation by contacting its Complaint Response Unit (CRU) through 09111111150 or 09111111151.

The police assured the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law and the Force's disciplinary procedures.

### Context Matters

The Lagos State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Mr Fatai Tijani, has been criticized in the past for human rights abuses and excessive use of force by its personnel.

But the command has also taken steps to reform its operations and address concerns about police brutality.

### What's Next

The investigation into the incident is ongoing. The police have promised to be thorough and transparent in their investigation.

The victim has been advised to contact the police command's Complaint Response Unit for further assistance.

### Facts

  • The incident occurred in the Festac area of Lagos
  • The victim is a gold seller
  • The officers involved were not properly dressed in police uniforms
  • The officers arrived in an unregistered bus
  • The victim was allegedly beaten by the officers
  • The police have launched an investigation into the incident
  • The police have appealed to the victim to assist with the investigation