A lawyer was assaulted by Nigeria Police Force officers during a stop-and-search operation in Ajah, Lekki, Lagos State, on Saturday evening.
The incident, captured on video, shows officers attempting to seize the lawyer’s phone while he recorded their actions.
The viral footage, widely shared on X, depicts officers confronting the lawyer, who was documenting the encounter. Tensions escalated when officers forcibly tried to take his phone, leading to a physical altercation. The video has sparked outrage online, with many condemning the officers’ actions as an abuse of power.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Lagos State Police spokesperson, responded on X, stating, “Inasmuch as you want to exercise your right to record police officers, please endeavour not to be intrusive, harass, or obstruct officers in their duties, and respect others’ privacy.” He noted that part of the video was omitted by the poster, which may have shown additional context.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered an investigation into the incident. Hundeyin assured the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
The incident reignites concerns about police conduct during stop-and-search operations, a recurring issue in Nigeria. Legal experts affirm that citizens have the right to record police in public, provided it does not interfere with their duties, as supported by Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, which does not extend privacy protections to officers on duty.
This event follows a similar case earlier this month, where officers were filmed attempting to remove a motorist’s smart glasses during a stop-and-search, prompting disciplinary action.
