Chris Steven, Abuja
Police in Lagos State said they have arrested a motorist who assaulted a police officer after he was stopped for violating traffic rule.
“A statement by the police command said one Victor Ebhomenyen, 33, was arrested for driving against the traffic, assaulting and causing severe bodily injuries on an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Erhator Sunday, at Four Points Hotel, Oniru, Lagos State.
In the statement signed by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Lagos State Police spokesperson, the police arrested Ebhomenyen after a video went viral on social media on Saturday showing two men repeatedly assaulting an officer on duty and creating a scene on the road at Oniru, Victoria Island.
“To set the record straight, on 17/4/21, at about 1030am, one ASP Erhator Sunday, m, and team attached to the Rapid Response Squad (@rrslagos767) of the Command, who were on a convoy movement to drop off policemen at their various beats across the state, blocked and stopped a white Hyundai SUV, MUS 251 EH facing the convoy on “one way”, driven by the suspect, Victor, at Four Point Hotel, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos State,” the statement read.
“When the police stopped the vehicle, the occupants, one Victor Ebhomenye and Etinosa Obaywana, angrily came down, confronted and violently assaulted ASP Erhator Sunday, inflicting severe bodily injuries on him. The Officer, who was armed with his official Ak 47 riffle, displayed a high level of professionalism amidst fierce provocations by resisting the temptation of using his rifle on the suspect.”
Adejobi stated that the prime suspect, Victor, is in the police custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department Panti, for investigation and prosecution as and when due, while effort is on to arrest his fleeing accomplice, Etinosa, who has been identified.
According to the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, the vehicle has been impounded and taken to the Lagos State Taskforce Office, Oshodi, for appropriate penalty.
He said that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, has commended the police personnel for their act of maturity, self control, perseverance and professionalism in managing the “drama” created by the suspect; and tactical due enforcement of law and order without any infringement on the suspect’s or any person’s human rights during the saga.
Odumosu therefore advised police personnel in the command to emulate the act of professionalism, maturity and perseverance displayed by the assaulted officer and his colleagues despite series of provocations exhibited by the suspects and his fleeing accomplice at the scene.
The Police boss however warned against any violence or attack on the police and other security operatives in the state as such will be professionally resisted and erring individuals will be dealt with according to the provisions of the law.