Inspector Obic Modestus of the Lagos State Police
Command is facing disciplinary action after a viral video showed him assaulting
an e-hailing driver. The footage, widely circulated on social media, depicts
Inspector Modestus leaning into the driver's car and physically assaulting him
while attempting to force him into a police van. The incident has sparked
widespread outrage and reignited discussions about police misconduct in Nigeria
.
In response, the Lagos State Police Command, under
Commissioner of Police Owohunwa Jimoh, has summoned Inspector Modestus to the
Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU). He will be handed over to the Provost
Department for appropriate disciplinary measures .
The CRU, established to promote accountability within
the Nigeria Police Force, has been instrumental in addressing complaints
against police officers. Its establishment in Lagos was part of broader efforts
to ensure transparency and restore public trust in law enforcement .
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between the
police and Nigeria’s e-hailing sector, especially in Lagos. A 2024 report by
the Lagos-based Civic Rights Initiative revealed that 65% of e-hailing drivers
in Lagos had experienced some form of police harassment in the previous year,
with 40% reporting physical assault. Such incidents have fueled resentment
among gig economy workers and raised concerns about systemic issues within the
police force .
The disciplinary process for Inspector Modestus will
involve an internal investigation by the Provost Department, which can
recommend sanctions ranging from demotion to dismissal, according to Force
regulations. In 2024, the Provost Department in Lagos processed 412 cases of
officer misconduct, with only 15% resulting in dismissal .
This case underscores the urgent need for systemic
reforms within the Nigeria Police Force to address misconduct and rebuild
public trust.
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