The Lagos State Police Command has refuted allegations it has kept a suspect in custody for six weeks without a court order.
The command also denied allegations of rights abuses and torture of suspects made against it by a lawyer, Bayo Akinlade.
The lawyer, in a post on social media, accused the Tactical Squad of the command at Second Rainbow on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway of unlawfully detaining a suspect, Nosiru Owolabi, for six weeks, without a court warrant and denying the suspect access to his family and counsel.
Akinlade in the post alleged that the tactical squad was oppressing citizens, adding that they kept their victims in detention for as long as it pleased the commander. But, in a swift rebuttal, the police command explained that Owolabi who was arrested on January 25, for alleged multiple armed robberies, kidnappings and murder, was being detained by a valid court order.
Spokesman for the command, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin in a statement said the suspect had been on the wanted list of the police.
“The suspect was arrested because of his involvement in several armed robberies, murders, violence and cultism related cases in some areas in Lagos.
“The suspect has been on the police wanted list for various capital and serious offenses, such as armed robberies, multiple kidnappings and violent crimes. These raised significant public safety and security concerns, and fear.
“Following the execution of a valid search warrant after his arrest, two firearms were recovered from his possession.
“It’s pertinent to point out that the detention of the suspect was carried out in compliance with a valid court order, which granted the police the authority to detain him for an extended period. The primary purpose of this detention was to facilitate a thorough and discreet investigation in the case, arrest more suspects linked to the crimes committed by the principal suspect with his cohorts and syndicates. And also recover additional firearms and weapons the suspect confessed are in his possession.
“These weapons if not recovered are certainly a great danger to all law abiding citizens and could pose a serious threat to public safety and security.
“It’s incumbent on us to educate you that detention is not a punishment, but criminal legal procedures to ensure that whoever is accused of any offense have their day in court,” said the command.
Continuing, the police said Owolabi’s detention was not done arbitrarily and was aimed at safeguarding law, order and public safety, as well as the need to recover additional dangerous items in his possession.
It said Owolabi’s rights have been respected throughout his detention, adding that his wife paid him regular visits.
“His wife visited him regularly, and appropriate measures were taken to know that his well-being is properly taken care of.
“It is also important to state that the community he resides in has expressed strong support for the arrest by the police because of them recognizing the importance of removing a dangerous individual from the streets.
“Members of the public are hereby encouraged to promptly engage with the Police Public Relations Officer or the Complaint Response Unit whenever they have complaints against police action and inaction to ensure quick resolution of these complaints.
“Permit me to assure the public that the Lagos State Police Command under CP Olohundare Jimoh is committed to upholding the law, while ensuring that the rights of all individuals, including those in custody, are respected and upheld,” said Hundeyin.
