Stop Police Brutality

Editorial

A recent case of police brutality in Lagos has been greeted with outrage and condemnation. The case highlights the lawlessness of those who are trained and paid to protect citizens against lawbreakers.

Last week , 29-year-old photographer, Ejeh Smith, and his wife, Grace, were in a taxi heading home after work when their vehicle was stopped  by an overzealous policeman at Lekki Roundabout area of Lagos, southwest Nigeria..

According to newspaper reports quoting the taxi driver, Ndubuisi Iheaka, the police corporal checked the boot of the car before demanding his driver’s licence.

Iheaka said while he was about getting the licence, Ogunsanya beamed his torchlight on his passengers.

The couple was said to have protested the action, telling him that the inner light of the vehicle, which were on, was enough for him to see their faces.

The policeman reportedly asked them to alight after which an argument ensued, which degenerated into a scuffle.

Related News

In the process, Ogunsanya allegedly punched Ejeh in the face and also allegedly hit him in the face with the butt of his rifle. He thereafter slapped Grace and stepped on her stomach.

Although Ogunsanya has been arrested, the police have alleged that the photographer was drunk the night of the incident.  Ejeh has denied that allegation.

The Inspector General of Police has opened a probe. The matter should be seriously and independently investigated.

Still the case is not an isolated one. On daily basis, many Nigerians are assaulted by overzealous policemen on flimsy excuses.

In the process, several people lose their lives, especially at illegal checkpoints where the police brazenly extort money from motorists at gunpoint..

We expect that the erring policeman if found guilty should be dealt with and sent out of the police force to serve as an example to other rough necks who routinely take the laws in their hands.

Load more