A Lagos police officer faces strong condemnation. A viral video shows him assaulting a commercial bus conductor. This sparked wide outrage. Passengers and social media users reacted.
The footage was filmed by a female commuter. It displays the officer pinning the conductor. The conductor looked exhausted. Several passengers pleaded for the assault to stop.
Voices in the clip shouted, “Leave him!” “Do not kill him!” “He cannot escape!” A concerned woman warned the officer. She stated the conductor seemed to be suffocating. She urged onlookers to get water.
Another passenger cautioned the officer. “If he collapses, consequences will be severe,” they stated. “An elder is begging you. Can you take him home if he dies?”
The conductor struggled to speak and breathe. He repeatedly cried, “Help me! I do not know my offense.”
Officer Alleges Prior Assault
The police officer defended his actions. He insisted he was acting lawfully.
He claimed the conductor attacked him first. This happened after a LASTMA official stopped the vehicle. The stop concerned a traffic infraction.
“As a police officer, I intervened,” he recounted. “I asked the LASTMA officer to release him.”
“I told the conductor to close his door when picking up passengers,” he added. “Suddenly, this guy began beating my uniform. Even the driver told him to stop hitting an officer.”
He also accused the recording woman of “supporting” the conductor. Yet, he conceded her right to film.
“She has every right as a Nigerian citizen to record,” he affirmed. “I would seize her phone if I was doing wrong. But I am acting correctly.”
Renewed Concerns Over Police Misconduct
This incident revived public worries. Reports of police harassment are frequent in Lagos. Excessive force is also a recurring issue.
Residents have repeatedly urged the state police command. They seek action on officer conduct. Many officers face allegations of intimidation and abuse.
