Lagos DPO, CSP Ayanwale, Accused of Threatening Motorist with Jail Over Minor Car Scrape

Femi Ashekun/

A Divisional Police Officer in Lagos, CSP Ayanwale Ayodeji of Olosan Police Station, Mushin, has been accused of threatening to jail a motorist over a minor traffic incident.

The allegation has triggered public outrage and drawn official responses from the Lagos State Police Command and the Nigeria Police Force headquarters.

The accusation was made by Akin Akinwale, a media aide to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, now renamed the Nigerian Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, who disclosed the incident in a series of posts on the social media platform X.

According to Akinwale, the matter arose after his friend’s vehicle lightly brushed a parked car while attempting to avoid a collision. He said the motorist immediately acknowledged the incident and offered to repair the damage.

Instead of a civil resolution, Akinwale alleged that the situation escalated after it emerged that the owner of the damaged vehicle was a friend of the DPO.

“The DPO of Olosan Police Station in Mushin, CSP Ayanwale Ayodeji, is threatening to send my friend to jail. He boldly told him to go and call whoever he knows, insisting that he would ensure my friend rots in jail,” Akinwale wrote.

He further alleged that both the DPO and the vehicle owner rejected the offer of repairs and insisted on incarceration.

“His offence: My friend’s car brushed the car of someone who turns out to be the DPO’s friend. Despite my friend immediately offering to repair the damage, the DPO and his friend are now abusing their authority, insisting they will jail him regardless.”

Akinwale also accused the senior officer of making statements that suggested contempt for police hierarchy and due process.

“The saddest is the DPO saying that even if the Inspector General of Police intervenes, he would not listen. This is pure madness and a blatant abuse of power.”

As the posts gained traction and provoked widespread reactions online, Akinwale publicly called out the Lagos State Police Command, expressing frustration over what he described as a prolonged ordeal.

“Madam Lagos PRO Abimbola Shotayo you really need to respond to your messages. This is pure insanity you guys are doing there. Because this is becoming dramatic. Since yesterday?”

The Lagos State Police Command later acknowledged the complaint.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that the matter was under review but offered a more cautious account.

“The Command has received this complaint and is currently looking into it. Your friend’s messages were responded to; however, it should be noted that he was unable to reach a compromise with the other vehicle owner,” she said.

The Nigeria Police Force Complaints Response Unit also intervened, requesting further details from the complainant to aid investigation.

“Dear @mrlurvy, kindly DM your contact for further investigation, thank you. #NoToImpunity.”

As of the time of reporting, CSP Ayanwale Ayodeji had not issued a public response to the allegations, and the Lagos State Police Command had not announced any disciplinary measures.