Lagos CP redeploys DPO, IPO over wrongful arraignment of mechanics

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Elemoro Division, CSP John, and an Investigating Police Officer (IPO), ASP Dare, following allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

The redeployment follows the controversial arrest and arraignment of two innocent automobile mechanics who were wrongly accused of stealing a vehicle they were test-driving after repairs.

According to eyewitness accounts, the mechanics were stopped by police officers on a stop-and-search operation and were accused of driving a stolen car.

Despite their repeated explanations that the vehicle belonged to a lawyer and was being tested post-repair, the officers reportedly arrested them and impounded the vehicle.

The car owner, a Lagos-based lawyer, was later contacted and confirmed the ownership of the vehicle, presenting documents to support his claim and requesting the immediate release of the mechanics.

However, the police officers allegedly ignored his plea, insisting the vehicle was stolen.

Sources further disclosed that the lawyer visited the police station with documents to prove ownership and personally met with the DPO, who allegedly dismissed the evidence and continued to press charges.

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Three days later, the mechanics were reportedly arraigned in a court different from the one earlier disclosed to the lawyer.

By sheer chance, the lawyer discovered the actual court venue and appeared before the Magistrate with the necessary documents. The court subsequently discharged and acquitted the mechanics, confirming their innocence.

The incident sparked public outrage after it was reported in a widely-read online newspaper on April 24, 2025, under the headline “Power in Wrong Hands.” This prompted CP Jimoh to take immediate action, redeploying the officers involved to allow for an unimpeded investigation into the matter.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the Commissioner of Police has constituted a five-member panel led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), including the Officer-in-Charge of Legal, to investigate all allegations raised in the report. The committee is expected to submit its findings within a week.

“Consequent upon this, the DPO and other officers involved have been transferred out of Elemoro Division to pave way for a thorough and unhindered investigation into the allegations in the report. The outcome of the investigation will certainly be made public,” Hundeyin said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police has invited the lawyer involved to meet with the committee at his convenience to assist with the investigation.

Reiterating the Command’s stance, Hundeyin emphasized that the Lagos State Police Command strongly opposes all forms of inhumane treatment and miscarriage of justice, promising that any officer found culpable will face disciplinary action in line with established procedures.

The CP also appealed to the public to continue to place trust in the police, assuring that all acts of misconduct, once verified, will be appropriately addressed to uphold justice and professional integrity within the force.