KEY POINTS
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Commissioner of Police forms a committee to probe Lagos DPO’s actions.
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Alleged unlawful detention and car seizure prompt investigation into Elemoro DPO.
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Investigation aims to ensure accountability and deter similar misconduct.
A five-member committee has been established by Lagos State Police Commissioner Owohunwa Olatunji to look into the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Elemoro Division. Allegations have been made against the DPO for trying to imprison two innocent mechanics.
CP orders investigation into Lagos DPO’s alleged misconduct
Jimoh made this announcement in a statement released in Lagos on Monday by Benjamin Hundeyin, the command spokesperson.
The inquiry comes after an article headed “Power in wrong hands: How a Lagos DPO tried to jail 2 innocent mechanics” appeared in the Vanguard newspaper on April 24.
A lawyer’s allegations that the DPO illegally arrested his mechanics and confiscated his vehicle were described in the article. The attorney clarified that he had given the vehicle to his mechanics so they could test drive it.
The mechanics were arrested by Elemoro Police Division officers on suspicion of stealing the vehicle. The DPO charged the mechanics in court with possessing a “reasonably suspected stolen” vehicle even though he claimed to be the car’s owner.
After examining the evidence, the magistrate released the mechanics and dropped the accusations. But the DPO apparently wouldn’t let the car go.
The lawyer claims that in order to have his automobile back after it had been illegally taken for 22 days, a formal magistrate’s ruling was required. The attorney suggested that many innocent persons might be wrongfully imprisoned under similar circumstances and urged police authorities to look into the DPO’s actions.
Jimoh said that a committee was established by the command to look into the claims. The Deputy Commissioner of Police is in charge of the committee, which also consists of the Command’s Officer-in-Charge of Legal.
Committee will investigate, and findings will be made public
The committee would present its conclusions in a week, Jimoh said. To guarantee a comprehensive investigation, the DPO and other implicated officers were moved from the Elemoro Division.
“The investigation’s findings will be released to the public,” Jimoh stated. Additionally, he asked the attorney to meet with the committee whenever it was convenient for him.
According to Punch, the Commissioner made it clear that any kind of cruel treatment or injustice is not tolerated by the command.
“The proper disciplinary actions will be taken if the officers are found guilty,” he continued. “We encourage the public to have faith in law enforcement and know that any misconduct will be dealt with.”
