Civil Society Group Demands Inquiry into Lagos Police Command Over Alleged Rights Abuses
A prominent political and civil society organization, The Renewal Group (TRG), has urgently called upon President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent panel of inquiry to scrutinize the activities of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, and the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele. The group alleges widespread illegal operations and severe human rights abuses, describing the current policing situation in the state as "gradually turning into an embarrassment and a nightmare."
Allegations of Overreach and Illegal Operations
During a media briefing held in Lagos yesterday, TRG's Convener, Lai Omotola, detailed multiple instances where the task force has allegedly exceeded its statutory mandate. Originally established to handle environmental offences, the task force is accused of unlawfully intervening in traffic matters and operating on federal roads where it lacks jurisdiction. Omotola referenced a recent viral incident involving task force officials on a one-way road, emphasizing that such enforcement should fall under agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) or the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
The presence of multiple traffic enforcement agencies has raised significant concerns about duplication of duties and potential abuse of authority, according to the group.
Pattern of Serious Abuses Under Akerele's Command
Beyond traffic issues, TRG alleges a disturbing pattern of more severe abuses under CSP Adetayo Akerele's leadership. These include:
- Forcible takeover of citizens' property without proper investigation or court orders.
- Confiscation of CCTV cameras and mobile phones to prevent recordings of their actions.
- Extrajudicial use of a mobile court at the task force's Oshodi office to dispatch individuals to Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
- Deliberate obstruction of court-ordered processes, undermining judicial authority.
The group cited a specific example in Victoria Island where security personnel were reportedly arrested, and surveillance equipment was removed before enforcement actions were carried out, highlighting what they describe as a "growing pattern of impunity."
Call for Presidential Intervention
TRG warns that these alleged abuses could severely undermine public trust in law enforcement, particularly in Lagos, which serves as a critical economic and political hub for Nigeria. To address this, they have called on President Tinubu to set up an independent panel to:
- Investigate the allegations thoroughly.
- Determine the extent of the alleged human rights violations.
- Restore accountability within the police and task force operations.
- Prevent a potential breakdown of law and order in the state.
This move is deemed necessary to ensure transparency and uphold the rule of law, according to the group's statement.
