Tension in Ikorodu: Lagos Police officers accused of firing shots at motorist

The Lagos State Police Command has verified that five officers stationed at the Area N Command, Ijede, Ikorodu, have been called in to address a confrontation they had with a motorist in the vicinity.

A video circulated online captured a group of police officers departing from a crowded gas station, amidst residents shouting and berating them. The onlookers yelled “Thief!” as they voiced their disapproval of the officers.

A user identified as @PIDOMNIGERIA alleged that the police officers fired shots at a motorist who had just left a fuel station after refueling, without considering the dangerous situation posed by a fuel-laden tanker parked on the station’s premises.

The tweet mentioned, “This incident occurred a few moments ago on Ijede Road, Ikorodu, Gbaga Bus Stop, around 11:10 am. The young man in the red Corolla had just bought fuel from the filling station and was driving out when this police team attempted to intercept him with their unmarked tinted glass ‘Korope’ (yellow bus). He tried to reverse out of fear, but they opened fire on him right inside the filling station, even with a petrol tanker present.”

The user noted that alarmed residents, fearing for the motorist’s life, confronted the officers who eventually fled in the yellow bus as they were being recorded.

In response, through a statement on their official handle, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, refuted claims that the motorist was double-crossed and shots were fired. Hundeyin clarified that the policemen were trying to apprehend the driver for a traffic violation.

Hundeyin stated, “The five officers led by an ASP, all stationed at Area N, Ijede, have been identified and summoned to the headquarters for further investigation and appropriate actions.”

He further explained, “Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver of the red Corolla with registration number JJJ685GD was driving against traffic as he exited the petrol station. The policemen attempted to halt him upon noticing the violation. The Corolla driver reversed into the petrol station upon seeing the officers. The scratches on the car and windshield cracks were allegedly caused by the Corolla car colliding with a parked trailer while in reverse.”

Hundeyin shared another video of the incident showing the red Corolla vehicle reversing into the filling station.

The PPRO affirmed that the officers faced an angry crowd as the situation escalated. To prevent further confrontation, the officers decided to leave the scene.

“A comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the extent of the police officers’ unprofessional conduct. The driver of the vehicle and eyewitnesses are urged to provide pertinent information, either physically or electronically through our various communication channels. The public will be informed of the investigation’s progress,” Hundeyin concluded.