In a press release signed by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, anipr, mipra, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command, the Commissioner of Police addressed the public on the recent incident involving security personnel at Omole Estate, aiming to clarify misconceptions and reaffirm the statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Lagos State Police Command wishes to react and set the record straight on a video currently circulating on social media, showing an incident at Omole Estate where estate security personnel were seen preventing uniformed police officers from gaining access to the estate to enforce the law, prevent crime, and ensure security and safety, which are part of the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force.
Firstly, the police personnel in the video, after a thorough verification, are not serving with the Lagos State Police Command. They were clearly personnel on escort and protection duty to the State from other police detachments outside Lagos State. However, it is incumbent on the Command to educate those involved and members of the general public that obstructing police officers in the discharge of their lawful duties and other statutory responsibilities is not only improper behavior but unlawful acts punishable under the laws of the land.
Police officers are empowered by law to use minimum force as it may be necessary to carry out their lawful obligations in the protection of lives and property, and to ensure safety and security of every Nigerian. These police actions are legal and crucial for maintaining law and order, and therefore any form of obstruction by anyone against a police officer(s) is lawlessness and the police will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law to bear on perpetrators and ensure justice to serve as a deterrent to others.
Omole Estate Incident: Lagos Police Urge Due Process Over Social Media Allegations
The Lagos State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, regrets to note that the management of Omole Estate instead of reporting whatever is their own side of the incident to the Divisional Police Officer Ojodu or the nearest police station or to the Commissioner of Police, resorted to self-help on social media in order to cast aspersions in the minds of the public on the discharge of the responsibility of the police in carrying out its lawful obligations and duties.
As of the time of this release, none of the police personnel in the Lagos Police Command has been identified as any of those in the video. It is obvious that the police personnel in the viral video are from other formations outside Lagos State on escort protection duty to the State as stated above. But if the Omole Estate Management had reported the incident to the police in their locality, the situation would have been different and properly dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Command wishes to once again assure all Lagosians that the police will not cover up any wrongdoing by any of its personnel in the State, no matter how minor or serious the violation of any individual rights can be. We urge the Omole estate management and residents to report every incident of concern to the police and also follow up on proper investigation of such incidents and the actions taken against such officers instead of resorting to self-help.
The Lagos State Police Command remains steadfast and has commenced an investigation into the incident. The outcome of the investigation will definitely be made public. Consequently, Omole Estate Management is hereby implored to exercise restraint and send representatives to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DFA, or Command Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Monday, 7th April, 2025, by 12 noon to present their complaints and position on the matter to the Commissioner of Police for discreet investigation and further necessary actions on the case. The commitment of the Police is to ensure justice is served while upholding integrity in our official duties and other responsibilities.
The public is assured that any officer found guilty of high-handedness or abuse of power will face necessary disciplinary measures.
In conclusion, we appeal to all residents and estate managements in Lagos State to continue to cooperate with Police Officers in the prevention and detection of crimes, and due law enforcement duties, procedures, and processes to ensure a safe and secure environment for all. The Lagos State Police Command is committed to maintaining mutual respect and cooperation in these regards, please.
For more verified updates on security developments, official responses, and community-police relations in Lagos and beyond, follow our reports on LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng. Let’s work together to promote accountability, lawful conduct, and public safety.
