Police detain officers filmed ‘assaulting’ motorist during stop-and-search

Olohundare Jimoh, commissioner of police in Lagos, has ordered the detention of officers filmed assaulting a motorist during a stop-and-search operation.

The directive follows widespread outrage after a viral video on Friday showed the officers trying to forcibly remove the motorist’s eyeglasses on suspicion that it had a recording feature.

Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson of the Lagos police command, said the entire squad involved has been dissolved.

He said the commissioner has constituted a new tactical unit that will “adhere strictly to international best practices in policing” and operate with “zero tolerance for corruption”.

“Following a thorough preliminary investigation, the commissioner of police, Lagos state command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered the immediate detention of the entire team,” Hundeyin wrote on X.

“The officers will face an orderly room trial in line with established disciplinary procedures to ensure justice is served swiftly and transparently.

“In addition, the entire tactical squad implicated in this matter has been dissolved with immediate effect.

“A new tactical squad has been constituted, comprising officers who will adhere strictly to international best practices in policing.

“This new unit will operate with zero tolerance for corruption, while upholding the highest standards of respect for human rights and human dignity.”

The police had earlier described the assault as an isolated incident that does not represent the values of the force.