The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Gowon Estate Division, in Lagos State, has been removed for allegedly detaining a lawyer who was seeking justice for his client.
In a statement on Wednesday, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, affirmed the removal.
Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, directed the immediate removal of the officer from the division.
He mentioned that this action was taken after the completion of investigations into the allegations leveled against the DPO, as reported by the media on January 4.
The DPO will be suspended pending a review of his case by other supervisory authorities.
“The CP had earlier ordered a thorough investigation into the matter upon receipt of the publication.
“CP Fayoade has equally directed the OC Legal of the Command to initiate steps to reach out to the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos State Branch, to enable a round table discussion.
“The meeting is aimed at preventing a recurrence of the avoidable incident and enhancing better Police-Lawyers relationship,” he said.
The representative mentioned that the command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will take disciplinary action against any officer found to be in violation.
Olumide Sonupe, a Lagos-based lawyer, was hospitalized following his detention by the police. The incident occurred when Sonupe was attempting to secure the release of his client at the Moshalashi Police Station in the Alimosho area of the state on December 30, 2023.