The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a jeweller accused policemen attached to the Festac area of the state of harassing and assaulting him. The command confirmed the development in a post on its official X handle on Saturday, stating that the officers involved have been identified as personnel attached to Area E Command.
Viral Video Shows Struggle and Bloody Injury
The video, which circulated widely on X on Saturday morning, captured the businessman in a physical struggle with a group of policemen. Later in the footage, the man could be seen with a bloody face after allegedly sustaining a cut beside his right eye during the confrontation.
The jeweller said he was stopped by policemen from the Festac Division for a routine search while on his way to deliver a necklace. According to him, the officers accused him of peddling drugs after they discovered a small scale in his possession—a tool he claims he uses to measure gold for his jewellery business.
Jeweller’s Account: Accused of Weighing Weed
In his own words, the jeweller narrated the ordeal: “I went to deliver a necklace to someone when police officers stopped and searched me in Festac, Lagos. They found nothing on me but saw the scale I use to measure gold and accused me of using it to weigh weed.”
He further stated that the officers ordered him to follow them to the station, but he refused because he had done nothing wrong. He alleged that the men were not properly dressed as police officers and that the bus they arrived in had no registration number.
“They then dragged me, tried to force me into the bus, and one of them hit me on the head with a gun before they started beating me,” he added.
Police Identify Officers, CP Orders Immediate Probe
Reacting to the viral video, the Lagos State Police Command, via its X handle, said it had commenced an investigation and had already identified the policemen involved in the incident. The command noted that the officers are attached to Area E Command.
The statement read: “The Lagos State Police Command has seen the video and has commenced an investigation into the incident. The officers involved have been identified as personnel attached to Area E Command.”
It further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, has directed the Area Commander to immediately produce the officers at the Command Headquarters for further investigation and appropriate action. The command also urged the individual featured in the video to contact its Complaint Response Unit (CRU) on 09111111150 or 09111111151 to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Public Urged to Cooperate with Investigation
The police command’s prompt response aims to address public concerns over the alleged misconduct, and authorities have called on anyone with additional information to come forward. The case highlights ongoing tensions between citizens and law enforcement during routine stops, especially when officers are not easily identifiable.
Meanwhile, the jeweller has not publicly responded to the police’s invitation, but his viral account has sparked widespread condemnation online, with many Nigerians demanding a thorough and transparent inquiry into the incident.
