The Divisional Police Officer of Gowon Estate Division in Lagos State has been removed for allegedly detaining a lawyer seeking justice for his client. The Public Relations Officer of Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the removal in a statement on today.

CITY LAWYER recalls that a Lagos-based lawyer, Olumide Sonupe, was hospitalised after detention and alleged assault by the police.

Meanwhile, another Lagos lawyer, Mr. Olakunle Olanrewaju was subjected to assault and public ridicule by a police operative allegedly procured by some land agents.

The victim confirmed the incident to CITY LAWYER, saying that a petition has been written to Lagos State Police Commissioner, Adegoke Fayoade,  by his solicitors over the assault.

According to the petition made available to CITY LAWYER, “It our brief that on the 28th December, 2023,-Superintend of Police Kingsley (Surveillance Department), Ogudu Police Station acting in concert with some touts parading themselves as land agents attacked, assaulted, beat up and made a public ridicule/mockery of our Client at “The Place Restaurant” Ogudu, Lagos. In the process of assaulting our Client they tore his clothing aided by their cohorts-the land agents Odianosen Mcstephen and one Ajayi Adesoji.

“Subsequently our Client was arrested and detained at the Ogudu Police Station Client. We have on good authority that Superintend of Police Kingsley (Surveillance Department) is on retainer/frequently engaged by the so-called land agent to harass, intimidate, illegally arrest and detain innocent citizens in matters that have no element of criminality i.e. civil matters.”

Hundeyin stated that Fayoade had ordered the immediate removal of the officer from the division. He said that this followed the conclusion of investigations into the allegations made against the DPO. He said that the DPO would be removed pending a review of his case by other supervisory authorities.

“The CP had earlier ordered a thorough investigation into the matter upon receipt of the publication. CP Fayoade has equally directed the OC Legal of the command to initiate steps to reach out to the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos State Branch, to enable a round table discussion. The meeting is towards preventing a recurrence of the avoidable incident and enhancing better police-lawyers relationship,” he said.

The police spokesperson said that the command would continue to uphold the rule of law and sanction any officer found wanting.

Sonupe was seeking the bail of his client at the Moshalashi Police Station in the Alimosho area of the state on December 30, 2023.

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