Law Enforcement Investigates Online Footage Showing Officers Physically Abusing Precious Metals Vendor

An investigation has been launched by the Lagos State Police Command into allegations of assault by some of its officers, prompted by a viral video circulating on social media.

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The video was shared by an X user with the handle @ChuksEricE, and it features a man who claims to have been assaulted by police officers in the Festac area of Lagos.

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According to the victim, a gold seller, he was on his way to deliver a necklace when he was stopped and searched by the officers, who found nothing incriminating but discovered a scale used to weigh gold.

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The officers allegedly accused the man of using the scale to measure cannabis, and when he refused to accompany them to the police station, they attempted to force him into an unregistered bus, during which one of the officers struck him on the head with a gun.

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The Lagos State Police Command reacted to the viral video by announcing on its X handle, @LagosPoliceNG, on Saturday that it had commenced an investigation into the incident after reviewing the footage.

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The command identified the officers involved as personnel attached to Area E Command, and the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, has directed the Area Commander to produce the officers at the command Headquarters for further investigation and disciplinary action.

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The command has appealed to the individual featured in the video to contact its Complaint Response Unit (CRU) through 09111111150 or 09111111151 to assist with the investigation.

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