- Safiu Kehinde
A Lagos-based lawyer, Habeeb Sulola, has petitioned the state’s Police Command over alleged assault and intimidation by an officer attached to the Command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) unit.
NPO had last week Reported the incident wich occured between the legal practitioner and officer simply identified as Ajogumaru along Ikorodu road, Mile 12 area of Lagos.
As captured in the video, the officer could be seen physically and verbally assaulting the lawyer after vandalising the tyre of his car.
Recounting the ordeal in the petition dated Monday 14th of July and made available to NPO Reports, Sulola held that he was subjected to unlawful assault, inhuman treatment, intimidation, and flagrant abuse of power by the said officer.
The legal practitioner alleged that the police had attempted to unlawfully restrict his movement along the Mile 12 bridge as he ordered him to change his route with stating any reason for the order.
Describing the officer’s act an affront on his constitutional right, Sulola demanded for full-scale investigation into the case and sanction the officer over his misconduct which he claimed he recorded.
He also urged the command to take this as an opportunity to reinforce its zero-tolerance stance on police brutality and restore public trust.
The petition read; “I write this petition with deep concern and utmost respect for the Nigerian Police Force in maintaining law and order. However, it is with heavy heart that I bring to your attention, a disturbing incident involving one Officer Ajogumaru attached to the Rapid Response Squad Unit/Division.
“I am a Legal practitioner in the firm of Taiwo Ajala & Co. and a law-abiding Nigerian citizen who was, on the 10th of July, 2025 at about 8:20am, at Mile 12, subjected to unlawful assault, inhuman treatment, intimidation, and flagrant abuse of power by the said Officer Ajogunmaru.
“Officer Ajogunmaru, acting without provocation or legal justification, physically assaulted me, used abusive and degrading language, caused physical damage to my car (A Silver Colour Toyota RAV 4 with License Number KSF954FL) by deflating my tire with his rifle, made several attempts to batter me and unlawfully restricted my movement for hours, all in clear violation of my constitutional rights as enshrined under Sections 34, 35 and 41 Of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantee the Right to Dignity Of the Human Person, Right to Freedom of Movement and Protection from Unlawful Arrest Detention.
“The said Officers actions were not only unprofessional and unbecoming of an officer of the law but also amounted to a serious violation of the Police Act 2020, the Nigeria Police Code of Conduct, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State.
“It is disheartening that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, empowered to protect and serve, continue to exhibit acts of impunity that undermine public confidence in law enforcement. Officer Ajogunmaru’s conduct typifies the very kind of abuse that the ongoing Police Reforms aim to eradicate.
“I therefore humbly request that your Office causes a full-scale investigation into the misconduct of Officer Ajogunmaru and ensures that he is appropriately sanctioned in accordance with the law and internal disciplinary procedures.
“I also urge the Command to take this as an opportunity to reinforce its zero-tolerance stance on police brutality and restore public trust.
“I have video evidence of the incident and also eyewitnesses who are willing to give testimony and assist with whatever investigation by your Office all of which will be promptly made available upon request.
“The said incident has also been reported by one Kehinde Safiu who is a Journalist under NPO Reports.
“I await your prompt intervention and am prepared to cooperate with the investigation in any manner your office may require.”