- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Police Force has, on Wednesday, given reasons behind using leg restraints on a dismissed officer who was allegedly detained unlawfully and subjected to inhumane treatment by the Force.
Reacting tothe viral video showing the said officer, identified as Vincent Makinde, with leg cuffs, the Police Force, in a statement issued by its spokeperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, dismissed the alleged maltreatment of the officer.
Makinde’s claim of being detained without cause which had led to the subsequent demand or his release by renowned Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), was dsmissed by Adejobi.
As contained in the statement, the Police spokesperson explained that Makinde was restrained following his rearrest over several serious offences such as abuse of office, extortion, gross misconduct, and insurbordination amonsgt others which led to his dismissal from the Force.
Adejobi alleged that the dismissed officer allegedly assaulted a senior police officer and escaped from lawful custody during his initial arrest.
He would later resurface around June 2024, parading himself as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) with armed rifle despite his dismissal.
This led to his rearrest and immediate restrain using the legcuffs which Adejobi, in the statement, claimed is globally used for individuals actively, aggressively, or aggravatedly resisting lawful detention.
While reinstating that the Makinde remains a dismissed police officer, Adejobi disclosed that intensive investigation into his misconduct is still ongoing.
The FPPRO also reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to fostering transparency and accountability.