Take-It-Back Movement Demands Swift Accountability in Commuter Brutalization Case

The Take-It-Back movement has filed a petition with the Osun State police command in response to the alleged brutalization of a commuter named Lijofi Victor by some lawless officers.

The Take It Back Movement noted this in a statement signed by Samson Tola, its Osun State coordinator on Wednesday. 

 

The petition has been forwarded to multiple authorities and organizations, including the Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 11, Bureau of Public Conduct, DSS Osun command, National Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid Council, and Public Complaint Commission.

 

“I am writing to bring to your attention a disturbing incident involving the brutalisation of Mr Lijofi Victor by police officers under your command,” Tola said. 

“On 30th of September, 2024 at approximately 6:30 p.m, Mr. Lijofi was subjected to physical and emotional abuse by the officers, led by Supo. Akinyele E.O. at Apomu junction. He was beaten blue -black with sticks, slaps and hit with guns. As a result, various forms of injury were inflicted on him as he was later admitted to Oke-Ola Catholic Hospital, Apomu the same day.”

It was noted that after stopping the commercial vehicle which Mr Victor was on, the police threatened that if the driver hadn’t stopped, the vehicle would have been shot at and everyone would bear the consequences.

“According to the victim, this incident occurred after the commercial bus he boarded from Ibadan was stopped and was unnecessarily delayed. After about 30 minutes of the delays, one of the police officers made a statement that if the driver had refused to stop, the vehicle would have been shot at, and that everyone in the vehicle would have bear the consequences”. 

“Mr Lijofi, having responded to the uncivilised police officer to stop the threat and the criminal mind set was met with various physical attacks as described above.”

“A thorough investigation should be conducted to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable for their actions. The officers involved should face disciplinary action, and measures should be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.”

The TIB also demanded compensation given the harm the victim suffered and they sought that the police withdraw and replace the team at Apomu junction.

“Withdraw and replace the team at Apomu junction with another team of police officers who are civil in line with the police act and the Nigerian constitution. This is in a bid to prevent the re-occurrence of this.”

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