Lagos: Police arrest officer for assaulting Uber driver in viral video

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Inspector Obic Modestus, a police officer captured on video assaulting an e-hailing driver. The incident, which sparked widespread outrage, went viral early Monday on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter).

In the video, Modestus was seen physically assaulting the driver, prompting widespread condemnation from Nigerians who decried the continued misconduct of police officers despite the nationwide #EndSARS protests in 2020, which called for police reform and accountability.

Popular Nigerian activist and skit maker, Debo Adedayo—better known as Mr Macaroni—was among those who reacted strongly to the incident.

“Nobody should be treated like this! Just look at this barbarism! Will you people ever change??? Nigerian Police!!! Please have some shame!” he wrote on X.

Confirming the arrest, Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the officer has been summoned by the Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU) and will face disciplinary action.

“The police officer, Inspector Obic Modestus, has been taken into custody and will be handed over to the Provost Department for appropriate disciplinary measures,” Hundeyin said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unprofessional conduct within the ranks.

“The Lagos State Police Command, under CP Jimoh, will not condone any form of incivility towards members of the public,” he affirmed.

The Command also reiterated its commitment to upholding professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights in line with ongoing police reforms.