Lagos Sacks 20 Police Officers Arrests 93 Others For Extortion

A total of 113 policemen in the Lagos State Police Command have been arrested for various corrupt practices out of which 20 have already been dismissed in a move to flush out bad eggs that bring the image of the force into disrepute.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo who stated this last Monday at a press briefing tagged: Security Alert also warned against the sale of dangerous weapons along major roads and highways saying it is an offence.

The arrested policemen, Akpoyibo said allegedly committed offences ranging from extortion to the illegal use of firearms.

“I want to assure you that nobody is above the law. 20 policemen out of 113 arrested, have been dismissed for extortion, some are in Kirikiri while others are still under investigation. These are bad eggs in the force and we will not relent in dealing with them”, he said.

On the indiscriminate display and sale of offensive weapons and other dangerous item at unauthorized places, the police commissioner said: “the command has observed with concern the display and sale of dangerous tools such as knives, cutlasses, gadgets, scissors and hammer at traffic jams along major highways as well as inner city roads within the state”.

He said such wanton display of dangerous items along the streets make them easily accessible to criminals who buy and use them against members of the society.

Akpoyibo therefore warned sellers and hawkers of such items to return to their shops and market stalls in their own interest and that of the larger society because, according to him, it is an offence under the relevant state law.

He called on all Lagosians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious gathering, assembly or movement within their localities to the nearest police station.

“We will continue to respect the constitutional rights of all citizens to freedom of movement and association, however, such rights must be exercised and enjoyed within the confines of the law”, the Police Commissioner said.