Lagos state Police command has said its officers involved in professional misconduct while enforcing the closure order by the state government on Thursday have been arrested.
Bala Elkana, the Lagos police spokesperson, said in a statement on Friday that the officers in a viral video have been identified, apprehended and subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings.
A video went viral on Wednesday capturing the police officers destroying the goods of a shop owner during an enforcement exercise in an undisclosed area.
The incident occurred after the Lagos State Government ordered on Tuesday that all markets and stores selling non-essential items should close down for seven days at the first instance.
The directive, which is one of the measures to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the state, became effective on Thursday with all major non-essential markets and stores across the state shut.
Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, officers were deployed across the state to ensure compliance with the directive of the government.
During the exercise, the officers destroyed multiple crates of drinks in a drink store.
Mr Elkana said 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,” Mr Elkana said.
“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,” he added.
