Coronavirus Restriction: Police Arrest Officers Seen in Video Destroying Drinks in Lagos

Matilda Omonaiye/

Police have arrested the officers seen in a viral video destroying multiple crates of drinks and other goods while enforcing the restriction order by the state government yesterday.

Their arrest followed an order by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, that the video be investigated and the officers involved apprehended.

Spokesman for the Lagos State police command, Bala Elkana, said in a statement today that the officers in the video have been identified, apprehended and subjected to orderly room trial.

A video went viral on Wednesday capturing the police officers destroying the goods in some shops in Ikorodu area of the state during an enforcement exercise.

The Lagos State government on Tuesday directed that all markets and stores selling non-essential items should close down for seven days starting from yesterday.

The directive is one of the measures to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the state.

According to Elkana, the commissioner of police received the news with great displeasure and is “saddened with the apparent unprofessional conduct exhibited by some police officers identified in a trending video and has ordered for their immediate arrest and investigation.”

“They are currently subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings known as Orderly Room trial at the Provost Department, State Command Headquarters Ikeja, to serve as a deterrent to others. Their conduct is totally condemned as it fell short of our professional standards and rules of engagement.

“Police officers involved in the enforcement of restriction orders across the state are further warned to exercise their discretionary powers with utmost professionalism, compassion and respect for the rights of the citizens,” Elkana added.

He said citizens with complaints against police actions in the state can report through the following numbers: 09090003792, 09010512348, 09010512350.

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