The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Gowon Estate Division in Lagos State has been relieved of duty following allegations of illegally detaining a lawyer who was advocating for justice on behalf of his client. This information was confirmed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement released on Wednesday.
The Commissioner of Police for Lagos State Command, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, reportedly ordered the immediate removal of the DPO based on the completion of investigations into the accusations made against the officer. These allegations were initially brought to light in the media on January 4.
Hundeyin stated that the DPO’s removal is a temporary measure, pending a comprehensive review of his case by higher supervisory authorities. The Commissioner of Police has taken steps to address the issue and has directed the Officer in Charge (OC) Legal of the Command to engage with the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos State Branch, for a roundtable discussion. The aim is to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and foster a better relationship between the police and lawyers.
The spokesperson emphasized the commitment of the command to upholding the rule of law and pledged to take appropriate action against any officer found to be in violation.
The incident in question involves Lagos-based lawyer Olumide Sonupe, who was reportedly hospitalized after being detained by the police. Sonupe was seeking the release of his client at the Moshalashi Police Station in the Alimosho area of the state on December 30, 2023.