TheCable

Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of Lagos state, is seeking the redeployment of some police officers attached to the task force on environmental and special offences unit over Friday’s raids in different parts of Lagos, which led to “rough treatment and arrest of innocent citizens”.

According to Steve Ayorinde, commissioner for information and strategy, the governor sent a formal request to Fatai Owoseni, the state’s commissioner of police, asking for the redeployment of the officers for their “unacceptable conduct”.

Ayorinde explained that preliminary investigation showed that the raids were done without the knowledge of Saheed Olayinka Egbeyemi and Taiwo Adeoluwa, chairman and deputy chairman of the state’s task force on environmental and special offences unit respectively.

“The conduct of the affected officers is not in tandem with the vision of Lagos State Government and is therefore condemnable,” the statement by Ayorinde read.

“Their conduct is also unbecoming of officers who are expected to protect the citizenry and ensure that citizens and visitors find every part of the State safe and conducive enough not only on Friday nights but every day.

“Governor Ambode’s massive investments in security and Light Up Lagos Project was meant to create a 24-7 economy that encourages businesses to thrive.

“The government would not fold its arms and watch any overzealous officer derail the vision that has earned the government applause.”

While apologising to the affected persons, Ayorinde stated that government would not condone any act of high-handedness, extortion and disregard for human rights on the side of any of its law enforcement agencies.

He said state government was committed to providing a safe, secure and friendly environment where every law-abiding citizen can go about his or her businesses and activities without fear of being molested, harassed or intimidated by anyone.