A Lagos State police officer faces widespread criticism. A viral video shows him assaulting a commercial bus conductor. This incident sparked outrage among commuters and online users.
The recording, made by a female commuter, depicts the agitated officer. He was pinning the conductor against the bus. Many passengers pleaded for him to stop.
Witnesses in the video yelled, “Leave him!” They questioned, “Do you want to kill him?” They added, “He cannot run away.” A worried woman warned the officer. The conductor seemed to suffocate. She urged others to get water. This would prevent his collapse.
Another passenger warned the officer. “If this man collapses, the consequences will be severe,” he said. “An elderly man is begging you. Can you take him home if he dies?”
The conductor struggled for breath. He could barely speak. He repeatedly pleaded, “Help me, I don’t know what I did.”
Officer Alleges Initial Assault by Conductor
The police officer responded to the accusations. He maintained his actions were lawful.
He stated the conductor attacked him first. This occurred after a LASTMA official stopped the vehicle. The stop was for a traffic violation.
“I approached the LASTMA official,” he explained. “I requested the conductor be allowed to leave.”
“I instructed the conductor to close the door,” the officer recounted. “He was carrying passengers. Suddenly, he began assaulting me. He hit my uniform. Even the driver intervened. He told the conductor not to strike an officer.”
He initially accused the filming woman. He claimed she supported the conductor. However, he later conceded her right to record the event.
“As a Nigerian, she has every right to film,” he stated. “I would seize her phone if I were acting wrongly. But I am not doing anything wrong.”
Widespread Public Condemnation of Police Misconduct
This event reignited public worries. It highlighted frequent police harassment reports. Excessive force by officers in Lagos is a concern.
Citizens have urged the state police command. They seek action against officers. These officers allegedly engage in intimidation. They also abuse their power.
View the incident video below.
About the Author
