Folayemi Akinfolarin, Organizing Secretary of the Lagos African Action Congress (AAC), has reported a series of troubling events during a visit to the Ajuwon Division Police Station on Thursday, 27th December 2024.
In an incident report shared by Akinfolarin, which she titled “Incident Report at the Police Station Ajuwon Division on Thursday 27th Dec. 2024”, she describes a hostile encounter with police officers, including an alleged assault by Olori Ige and Olaseinde Feranmi, and negligence on the part of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO).
Akinfolarin states that her initial meeting with the DPO was unproductive, as he failed to address her report of Ige’s assault on a fellow activist. Though the DPO ordered the release of detained comrades, Olori Ige denied Akinfolarin access to them, citing her lack of familial relation. Subsequently, Akinfolarin alleges that both Ige and Feranmi verbally abused her when she attempted to question their conduct.
“Initial Meeting with the DPO: Upon arrival at the police station, I met with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and explained the purpose of my visit. The DPO called in the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Olori Ige, who is handling the case. I reported the assault on our comrade by Olori Ige, but the DPO did not address the issue.
“Release of Detained Comrades: The DPO ordered the release of the detained individuals. However, when I went to the counter to confirm their release, Olori Ige refused to let me see them, stating that I was not a family member.
“Confrontation with Police Officers: Olori Ige walked me out of the counter, and another police officer, Olaseinde Feranmi who attempted to slap me. I questioned his actions, and both Olori Ige and Feranmi began insulting me. I did not retaliate with foul language or insults.”, she stated.
During a second meeting with the DPO, Akinfolarin claims that she was not given the opportunity to present her side of the story. Instead, the DPO reportedly prioritized Ige’s version of events, leading to a sense of disrespect and frustration on Akinfolarin’s part.
“Second Meeting with the DPO: The DPO summoned me to his office again. I attempted to explain the events that transpired, but he did not allow me to finish. Instead, he listened to Olori Ige’s account and eventually i left his office.”
Despite the alleged mistreatment, Akinfolarin eventually left the station with the suspect and family members, though they are required to report back to the station the following day. The incident raises concerns about police misconduct and the treatment of activists and citizens exercising their rights within the Ajuwon Division Police Station.
“The DPO’s response was unsatisfactory, and I felt disrespected by the police officers involved. Despite my calm demeanor, the situation escalated..
I left the police station with the suspect and family members but they are to report to the station 4pm tomorrow….”, Akinfolarin added.
Earlier reports indicate that one Peter Osunbunmi sought help after a wealthy woman whose name cannot be ascertain as at the time of this report, reportedly called for the arrest of his brother over a dispute.
Recognizing the injustice, Comrade Akinfolarin intervened to address the situation which resulted into the alleged assault.
These kinds of disturbing patterns of incidents, involving the misuse of power and influence has been a major trend in Nigeria, with some wealthy individuals using the police as tools of harassment.
This trend raises significant concerns about the exploitation of authority and the need for accountability in law enforcement.
As the Ajuwon police station incident continues to develop, with a request to return by 4pm Friday evening, sources revealed that the Take It Back Movement Lagos branch and other advocacy groups are keeping a close eye on the situation.
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