By Christopher Oji
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered the immediate removal of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Gowon Estate Division, for alleged illegal detention of a lawyer who was seeking justice for his client.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement, said, CL Adegoke Fayoade, ordered the immediate removal of the officer from the division.
He said his removal followed the conclusion of investigations into the allegations made against the DPO, as published in the media on January 4. He said the DPO would be removed, pending a review of his case by other supervisory authorities. The CP had earlier ordered a thorough investigation into the matter upon receipt of the publication.
He said: “CP Fayoade has equally directed the OC Legal of the Command to initiate steps to reach out to the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos State Branch, to enable a round table discussion. The meeting is towards preventing a recurrence of the avoidable incident and enhancing better Police-Lawyers relationship,” he said.
He said the command would continue to uphold the rule of law and sanction any officer found wanting.
A legal practitioner, Olumide Sonupe, was hospitalised after detention by the police. Sonupe was seeking the bail of his client at the Moshalashi Police Station in the Alimosho area of the state on December 30, 2023.