Nigerians have criticized CSP Adetayo Akerele, the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, and Moshood Jimoh, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, for allegedly unlawfully detaining a group of attorneys who filed lawsuits against land grabbers.
One of the attorneys posted a live video claiming that the cops beat them and held them in the command center late into the night.
A female attorney was heard saying, “I have to record this for our safety, sir,” when one of the officers tried to stop her from doing so. I’m pleading with you to film it because it’s crucial for our protection. I’m a lawyer, and I understand my rights. Since there are six of you, I am permitted by law to record.
It was heard that her male coworker said, “You can’t seize her phone.”
In the video, the policeman asked the male attorney, “Who are you? In your opinion, who are you guys?
“There’s a petition against your boss Akerele,” one of the attorneys remarked, describing what had happened. At the command, we are awaiting the arrival of the CP to take us into custody. You don’t read your Police Act if you’re an inexperienced officer. It’s clear that you are unaware that civilians can videotape you while you are performing your duties because you people want to commit crimes.
“You held lawyers in your office without authorization. It’s 11 p.m. now. And this officer, Gabriel Ibrahim, whacked me in the face with his rifle, nearly causing harm. Since we are attorneys, they are threatening to deal with us.
“If we lawyers who have been practicing in this country for years are attacked, only God knows the hope of the average person.” A police task team, that is. Nothing will happen, according to one of the officers who threatened to kill us. We had been waiting here since they wouldn’t let us leave.
Netizens have continued to criticize CP Moshood Jimoh over the alleged illegal operation of Akerele in Lagos State after the video went viral. Many have tagged the Nigeria Police Force, IGP, and the Force spokesman in their posts.
One user, @durahtycoon, said, “The CP and the popularly questioned Mr. Akinrele should be transferred to Borno State,” in support of CP Moshood Jimoh’s transfer from Lagos. You are not friends with the Nigerian police.
“It’s best they transfer this CP and Akerele cos na na,” opeyemi_creates continued. The Chaii
“Who is giving this Lagos Akerele so much guts to oppress citizens like this?” declared fadojoe_official. Under democracy? This kind of lawlessness on the part of law enforcement officials is unprecedented, even under military regimes. Lawbreakers are law enforcement officers. I’m quite sad for my country.
“@nigerianpoliceforce, this officer Akerele is notorious and the entire Force is taking a reputation damage because of him,” wrote dare_fasasi. Calling him to order right away is preferable.
Sekonitayo continued, “Let’s tag the new Inspector General of Police.” He is a decent man who will undoubtedly pursue it.
CSP Akerele ought to be eliminated, according to jomog_clothings. @tunji.disu1 @nigeriapoliceforce@npf_lagos, please investigate.
“Is Akerele not even afraid that all these allegations would create a stumbling block someday?” asked omd_to_the_world.
“Please, sir, @tunjidisu1, kindly wade into this matter,” writes Samiflow1.
“Imagine people who are supposed to protect you, telling you they will shoot and kill you and nothing will happen,” stated rufai_junior.
