CP Odumosu rules out sanction against policemen who assaulted Uber driver at #EndSARS memorial

Mr Odumosu suggests that until an official complaint was made, erring officers won’t be sanctioned, despite evidence of their misconduct.

Adebola Ajayi • October 25, 2021

Lagos Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu (Photo Credit: Adesina Mutiu)

Lagos Commissioner of Police Hakeem Odumosu has ruled out sanctions against the police officers who assaulted Uber driver Adedotun Clement during the one-year anniversary of the #EndSARS protest in the state.

Mr Odumosu who addressed journalists on Sunday, said no police officers have been reported for committing any crime against civilians during the protest.

He claimed to have witnessed the protest, and since “no one has come to make a formal complaint,” the police was not obliged to “trail” the officers based on a newspaper report.

“To the best of my knowledge, no single officer has been reported to have committed an infraction. The officers of the Neighborhood Watch were identified.

“I told a journalist on that day that we have our procedure; we need an official complaint to be able to try any policeman that has been complained against.

“If you know the policeman that assaulted you and you also have witnesses, lodge a formal complaint against the policeman,” Punch quoted Mr Odumosu to have said.

He added, “There must be a complainant; we have internal trials as we don’t trail people on the pages of newspapers; somebody needs to stand and give evidence.”

Mr Odumosu said he called LASTMA to release the Uber driver’s vehicle but Mr Clement has not been to their office to lodge any complaint about the matter.

“The Uber driver has not lodged any complaint; I got his number, called him personally and he told me about his vehicle and I called the General Manager, LASTMA, forwarded his number to him that they should release his vehicle.

“He has not lodged any complaint against anybody and our disciplinary procedure must be documented,” he added.

On Wednesday, security operatives assaulted Mr Clement while on duty at the Lekki toll gate during the one-year anniversary of the #EndSARS protest.

After the video of the incident was shared on social media, officials of the LNSC involved in the molestation were suspended by the agency.

Mr Clement is demanding N500 million compensation from the Lagos government.

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