The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered the immediate removal of Austin Arase, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Gowon Estate Division, pending the outcome of investigation into the allegations made against the officer.
This is following a petition by a Lagos-based lawyer, Olumide Sonupe, who alleged he was detained for two days, by officers taking orders from the DPO, after the DPO and another female officer accused him of disrespecting the officers.
The 36-year-old lawyer explained that on December 30, he had gone to secure the bail of his client, a carpenter, who was detained for breach of contract but had misunderstanding with the officers while negotiating the N30,000.00 demanded as bail sum for his client when the DPO stepped in and ordered his detention.
He said he was released January 1, after spending 2 days in detention, leading to his hospitalization, as his health deteriorated while being held in custody.
A statement signed by SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) reveals the Police will work hands in hand with Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to prevent future occurances.
The statement read:
“Following the conclusion of investigations into the allegations made against the Divisional Police Officer, Gowon Estate Division, as published in Punch Newspaper of January 4, 2024, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, halas ordered the immediate removal of the DPO pending a review of his case by other supervisory authorities.
“The CP had earlier ordered a thorough investigation into the matter upon receipt of the publication.
“CP Fayoade has equally directed the OC Legal of the Command to initiate steps to reach out to the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos State Branch to enable a round table discussion towards preventing a recurrence of the avoidable incident and enhancing better police-lawyers relationship.
“The Lagos State Police Command, under Fayoade, will continue to uphold the rule of law, and will not hesitate to sanction any officer found engaging in unprofessional, unethical and discreditable conduct.”