The Lagos State Police Command has opened an investigation into a controversial arrest captured in a viral video circulating on social media.
The incident occurred on Saturday in the Ikorodu area, where a police officer was seen restraining a bus conductor during an attempt to apprehend him. The video sparked public outrage after the officer appeared to use excessive force on the half-naked conductor.
Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the probe in a statement on Sunday.
According to the statement, the confrontation began after the driver of the commercial bus deliberately blocked traffic, causing heavy gridlock and discomfort for commuters.
“The driver of the said bus, as shown in the pictures attached below, deliberately used the bus to obstruct traffic flow, thereby preventing other road users from using the public way and causing a traffic gridlock in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, resulting in serious untold hardship to the public.
“It was during the process of arresting the conductor that he stripped himself in an attempt to evade arrest and escape from the scene, which was when the video was shot,” the statement read in part.
The Command said the officer involved has been identified and placed under investigation. It added that the bus conductor has also been contacted and is expected to meet with the Commissioner of Police on Monday.
“Notwithstanding the behaviour of the conductor, which led to the confusion seen in the video, the police officer involved has been identified and is currently being investigated to determine the appropriateness of his actions.
“The conductor has also been contacted and will be available for an interview before the Commissioner of Police on Monday. The outcome of the investigation will be made public. The said bus has been impounded and is now in custody for further investigation,” the statement added.
Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, urged residents to remain law-abiding and report any violations of their rights by security personnel. He warned against “unnecessary dramatisation” of the officer’s conduct while reminding the public that resisting lawful arrest is a criminal offence.
The Command assured that the review of the incident will be transparent and that its findings will be made public.
