CP Removes DPO Over Lawyer’s Illegal Detention

The Lagos State Police Command has removed the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Gowon Estate Division, in the state for allegedly detaining a lawyer who was seeking justice for his client.

The Lagos-based lawyer, Olumide Sonupe, was hospitalised after detention by the police.

Sonupe was seeking the bail of his client at the Moshalashi Police Station in the Alimosho area of the state on December 30, 2023.

The removal was confirmed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Wednesday.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, ordered the immediate removal of the officer from the division according to Hundeyin.

He said this followed the conclusion of investigations into the allegations made against the DPO.

The spokesperson said the DPO would be removed 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.

“The meeting is towards preventing a recurrence of the avoidable incident and enhancing better Police-Lawyers relationship,” he said.