Lagos Police Responds to Allegations of Unlawful Detention
Following the recent publication highlighting concerns over the prolonged detention of Mr. Nosiru Owolabi without bail or a remand order, the Lagos State Police Command has issued an official response. In a statement signed by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, ANIPR, MIPRA, the Police Public Relations Officer on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
The authorities assert that the suspect’s detention was sanctioned by a valid court order. They further emphasize that his arrest and continued custody are in line with due legal process, citing his alleged involvement in serious crimes, including armed robbery, violent cultism, and murder. The police maintain that the investigation remains ongoing to ensure public safety. Below is the full response from the Lagos State Police Command.
Dear Bayo Akinlade, Esq.
⁃ Suspect is being detained on court order
I am writing in response to your complaint concerning the length of time spent in Police custody by Mr. Nosiru Owolabi, who was recently arrested and detained for Armed Robbery, Violent Cultism Crimes and Murder Cases under investigation.
The Command understood your concerns, and we thank you for bringing your reservations to our notice. However, we would like to provide clarity regarding the Police actions taken and the circumstances surrounding his arrest, detention and investigation.
The suspect was arrested because of his direct involvement in several armed robberies, murders, violence and cultism related cases in some areas in Lagos. The suspect has been on the police wanted list for various capital and serious offenses, such as armed robberies, multiple kidnappings and violent crimes. These raised significant public safety and security concerns, and fear. Following the execution of a valid search warrant after his arrest, two assorted firearms were recovered from his possession.
It’s pertinent to point out that the detention of the suspect was carried out in compliance with a valid court order, which granted the police the authority to detain him for an extended period. The primary purpose of this detention was to facilitate a thorough and discreet investigation in the case, arrest more suspects linked to the Crimes committed by the principal suspect with his cohorts and syndicates. And also recover additional firearms and weapons the suspect confessed are in his possession. These weapons if not recovered are certainly a great danger to all law-abiding citizens and could pose a serious threat to public safety and security.
It’s incumbent on us to educate you that detention is not a punishment, but criminal legal procedures to ensure that whoever is accused of any offense have their day in Court. And in this case was not arbitrary but carried out in accordance with the law, with the aim of safeguarding law and order, and safety of the public and recovering additional dangerous items in the suspect’s possession.
Throughout his period of detention, the suspect’s rights were respected. His wife visited him regularly, and appropriate measures were taken to know that his well-being is properly taken care of. It is also important to state that the community he resides has expressed strong support for the arrest by the Police because of them recognizing the importance of removing a dangerous individual from the streets.
Members of the public are hereby encouraged to promptly engage with the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer or the Complaint Response Unit whenever they have complaints against Police action and inaction to ensure quick resolution of these complaints.
Permit me to assure the public that the Lagos State Police Command under CP Olohundare Jimoh is committed to upholding the law, while ensuring that the rights of all individuals, including those in custody, are respected and upheld
Thank you for your sacrifice, time and attention on this matter.
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