Police question officer over assault on Lagos Uber driver
Police in Lagos have swiftly acted following allegations that one of their officers, Inspector Obic Modestus of the Ketu Police Division, violently assaulted an Uber driver during a stop-and-search operation. The incident has sparked outrage among the public and ride-hailing communities, shining a spotlight on police conduct and accountability in the city.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Inspector Modestus was promptly arrested and summoned by the Complaint Response Unit. In a statement shared on X.com, CSP Hundeyin confirmed that the officer would be handed over to the Provost Department for disciplinary action, signaling the command’s zero-tolerance stance on police misconduct.
The assault came to public attention after a video recorded by a passenger inside the Uber vehicle went viral on social media. The footage reveals Inspector Modestus aggressively dragging the Uber driver from his car and physically assaulting him in the presence of fellow officers. The driver had reportedly been stopped by the officers for a routine stop-and-search operation.
According to eyewitness accounts and police reports, the trouble began when the driver allegedly attempted to record the officers as they searched his vehicle. This act reportedly angered Inspector Modestus, who reacted violently by seizing the driver’s phone and launching into a physical attack.
Police Take Action After Officer Assaults Lagos Uber Driver
The violent nature of the incident has shocked many Lagos residents and has intensified concerns about abuse of power, particularly in interactions involving ride-hailing drivers who are frequently on the frontlines of public transport in the city.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin was quick to respond to public outrage, assuring the public that the Lagos State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh, condemns any form of incivility or abuse against members of the public by officers. He emphasized that the command is committed to enforcing discipline and upholding the integrity of the force.
“The Officer, Inspector Obic Modestus, has been summoned by the Complaint Response Unit and will be handed over to the Provost Department for appropriate disciplinary measures,” Hundeyin said. “The Lagos State Police Command will not tolerate misconduct or violent behavior from its personnel.”
This firm response aims to restore public confidence in the police force, particularly at a time when tensions between law enforcement and ride-hailing drivers have been escalating due to various disputes.
The incident has also drawn sharp criticism from leaders within the ride-hailing community in Lagos. Azeez Jaiyesinmi, Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, expressed strong disapproval of the officer’s conduct.
In a statement to journalists, Jaiyesinmi described the assault as “very bad” and reflective of a troubling pattern of behavior towards ride-hailing drivers. “Our members face frequent harassment, assaults, and even attempts at extortion from some police officers,” he lamented. “This incident is an unfortunate example of the challenges they endure on the job.”
Jaiyesinmi called on the Lagos State Police Command to take decisive action to prevent similar occurrences in the future and urged the public to support efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between police and transport workers.
This incident highlights broader concerns about police conduct in Lagos, where allegations of excessive force and abuse of authority have often been reported. Ride-hailing drivers, who operate under constant scrutiny and risk, are particularly vulnerable to such abuses.
Many drivers rely on these services to make a living, and confrontations with law enforcement can disrupt their livelihoods and jeopardize their safety. The incident involving Inspector Modestus has added to calls for better training of officers on human rights, improved police-community relations, and mechanisms to hold errant officers accountable.
The Lagos State Police Command’s quick response to this incident is seen as a positive step toward accountability. However, sustained efforts are required to address systemic issues that allow such abuses to persist.
Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh’s leadership has been praised for encouraging transparency and discipline within the force. Many hope that this case will serve as a deterrent to other officers and encourage a culture of respect and professionalism.
Meanwhile, ride-hailing companies and unions are expected to engage more actively with law enforcement agencies to foster mutual understanding and cooperation, aiming to minimize conflicts and protect drivers’ rights.
The assault on an Uber driver by an officer in Lagos has reignited discussions on police behavior and accountability in Nigeria’s largest city. While the Lagos State Police Command’s decisive action to investigate and discipline the officer involved is commendable, the incident underscores the urgent need for broader reforms in policing culture.
As investigations continue, the public and stakeholders await the outcome, hopeful that justice will prevail and that such violent encounters will be prevented in the future. This case serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of respect, professionalism, and accountability in law enforcement, ensuring the safety and dignity of all citizens, including those in the vital ride-hailing industry.
Source- Punch
