By Bayo Akinlade Esq
When a senior police officer tells you, “I don’t care if the suspect dies in my custody.” I begin to worry about our safety and security; or when he says, “This criminal will not leave my cell, I won’t charge him, I won’t take him to court, I will keep him as long as I want to .. ” Then I wonder who the real criminal is!
This is my story from the Police Tactical Squad at 2nd Rainbow at Oshodi Apapa Express Way
The case of Mr Nosiru Owolabi (suspect in detention)
- Arrested and Detained on the 25th of January 2025 – the police 2IC denies the accuracy of the date of arrest while the Commander claims they have a remand order which has expired but promises to have it renewed. (No remand order was shown to me neither was any document presented to show date of arrest from the police)
- Police did not grant suspect access to his family and Lawyer for the more than six weeks – police denies this. Observations
- Police considers the suspect a dangerous cult member who terrorizes his community, who has access to local guns and even police rifles, he is said to be the 2nd in command to a prominent gang/cult individual called Eleshin and they are involved in killings and unlawful activities.
- The police seem to have a personal beef with the suspect and his gang
- The police intends to hold the suspect in their custody for as long as possible. Other observations:
It appears that suspects taken to the Tactical Squad at 2nd Rainbow have their rights constantly violated as they are detained and tortured for as long as it pleases the commander. Are we in a police state? When did the police become the prosecutor and judge who determines the fate of suspects It was the police (SARS) that pushed citizens to the brink of public disobedience in the #Endsars protest….The Police seem to be at it again
There is no justifying breaking the law…THE POLICE IS NOT ABOVE THE LAW! The Constitution is the LAW not the wimps and caprices of a police man!
The commander of Tactical Squad at 2nd Rainbow claims the Lagos State Commissioner of Police is aware of this situation… Is this true?
The Police are doing a great job and are trying their best but some elements within its ranks are sabotaging these efforts.
We will not allow our society to fall apart again because of bad policemen!
All persons detained by the police must be arraigned before a court of law within 48 hours or released! This is the law and any policeman who goes contrary to the law does not deserve the respect the uniform grants him!
It is my hope that people like Nosiru will get Justice! If he is the criminal they say he is then let the court decide this.
The IGP should ensure that no single citizen is oppressed by the Police. It is a disgrace to be free from Military oppression just to be under the bondage of police oppression under a democracy.
