A Lagos police officer faces strong public condemnation. A recent viral video shows him assaulting a commercial bus conductor. This incident has angered many passengers and social media users.
A female commuter filmed the incident. The video depicts an agitated officer restraining the conductor. He pressed the conductor against a commercial bus. Onlookers pleaded with the officer to stop.
In the recording, voices are audible. People shouted, “Release him! Are you trying to kill him? He cannot escape!” A worried woman cautioned the officer. She noted the conductor seemed to suffocate. She asked others to bring water. This was to prevent his collapse.
Another passenger warned the officer. “If he collapses, consequences will be severe,” they said. “An elderly man is pleading with you. Can you take him home if he dies?”
The conductor struggled to breathe. He could barely speak. He repeatedly pleaded for help. “I do not know my offense,” he cried.
Police Officer Alleges Prior Assault by Conductor
The officer responded to these allegations. He maintained his actions were lawful.
He stated the conductor assaulted him first. This occurred after a LASTMA official stopped the vehicle. The stop was due to a traffic infraction.
He explained, “As a police officer, I intervened. I asked the LASTMA official to release him.”
He continued, “I instructed the conductor to secure his door. This was while passengers were boarding. Unexpectedly, he began striking my uniform. Even the driver advised him against assaulting an officer.”
The officer also accused the recording woman. He claimed she supported the conductor. However, he later conceded her right to film. He acknowledged her right as a Nigerian citizen.
“She is within her rights to film,” he stated. “Had I been misbehaving, I would have seized her phone. My actions are correct.”
Escalating Public Concern Regarding Police Misconduct
This incident has renewed public worries. It highlights frequent police harassment. Concerns about excessive force in Lagos persist.
Citizens urge the state police command. They demand action on officer conduct. Accusations of intimidation and power abuse are common.
Watch the video below:
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