By Hassanat Adebowale
The Lagos State Police Command has clarified that the man seen in a viral video being manhandled by police officers was arrested for alleged illegal possession of drugs, not for wearing dreadlocks. The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, made this clarification in a post on his X handle, “@BenHundeyin” on Monday.
In the video, which has been trending on social media, a voice can be heard claiming that the man was apprehended and assaulted for having dreadlocks and looking like a fraudster. Responding to the video, Hundeyin dismissed the claim as false.
“The narrative is false, misleading, and malicious,” he stated. “The suspect was arrested at Bassey Street in the Egbeda area of Lagos State based on complaints from residents about the activities of young men abusing and selling drugs openly. The police responded and the young man was indeed caught with hard drugs. Due to his resistance and struggle, minimal force was used to subdue him,” Hundeyin explained.
Hundeyin added that the suspect, along with others arrested, will be prosecuted accordingly.
Several social media users had expressed outrage over the video, believing that the man was targeted for his hairstyle. Hundeyin’s clarification aims to set the record straight and address the public’s concerns about the incident. He emphasized that the arrest was solely based on the man’s involvement in drug-related activities and not his appearance.
The police spokesperson reiterated that the Lagos State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and actions taken by officers are in line with this commitment. “We urge the public to refrain from spreading false information that could incite unnecessary panic and mistrust,” Hundeyin added.
GI’s Legal Corner
The law allows police officers to arrest individuals if they’re caught committing a crime or if there’s reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, as stated in Section 4 of the Police Act (2020). However, citizens are also protected from discrimination and unlawful profiling under Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, religion, or personal characteristics.
While the police can use reasonable force to make an arrest, Section 34(1) of the Constitution guarantees the right to dignity, prohibiting inhumane treatment. Any excessive force or abuse during an arrest can lead to disciplinary action or legal consequences for the officers involved.
In cases involving drugs, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act governs the possession and trafficking of narcotics, imposing severe penalties on offenders. If convicted, the suspect could face imprisonment, depending on the amount and type of drugs found in their possession.
The Lagos Police Command’s response highlights the balance law enforcement must maintain: tackling crime while respecting citizens’ rights. Thorough investigations and fair trials will determine the suspect’s fate and assess the legitimacy of the officers’ actions.
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