Lagos Police DPO Removed Amid Lawyer’s Detention Controversy
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Gowon Estate Division in Lagos State has been relieved of his duties following allegations of unlawfully detaining a lawyer who was advocating for his client’s rights. The removal was confirmed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement released on Wednesday.
According to Hundeyin, the Commissioner of Police for Lagos State Command, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, ordered the immediate removal of the DPO from his position after investigations into the allegations were concluded. This decision is pending a review of the case by higher supervisory authorities.
The investigation was initiated following media reports on January 4th regarding the lawyer’s detention. CP Fayoade has also instructed the Officer in Charge of Legal Affairs at the Command to engage with the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos State Branch, for a discussion aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future and improving the relationship between the Police and Lawyers.
The Command’s spokesperson emphasized the commitment to upholding the rule of law and stated that any officer found guilty of misconduct would be appropriately sanctioned.
The incident in question involved Olumide Sonupe, a lawyer based in Lagos, who was reportedly hospitalized after being detained by the police. Sonupe was seeking bail for his client at the Moshalashi Police Station in the Alimosho area of the state on December 30, 2023.
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