Police remove DPO over lawyer’s detention

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

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, announced the removal in a statement on Tuesday night.

Hundeyin noted that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, ordered the immediate removal of the DPO from the division.

He said this followed the conclusion of investigations into the allegations made against the DPO, as published in the media on January 4.

He said the DPO would be removed pending a review of his case by other supervisory authorities.

READ ALSO: Lagos police: We’re looking into Tiwa Savage’s petition against Davido

The police spokesman stated: “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.”

Hundeyun said the command would continue to uphold the rule of law and sanction any officer found wanting.

Sonupe, a Lagos-based lawyer, it was gathered, was hospitalised after the detention by the police.

The lawyer was seeking the bail of his client at the Moshalashi Police Station in the Alimosho area of Lagos State on December 30, 2023.

The Star