A disturbing account of alleged police misconduct in Lagos has ignited widespread reactions on social media, with citizens and officials weighing in on the incident.
Charles Mbaogu (@devcharlezen) recounted a harrowing experience on March 1, describing how he was allegedly dragged, accused without evidence, pressured to confess to a crime he did not commit, and driven around for hours while being threatened.
He noted that his girlfriend observed reckless driving by one of the officers, which led to his car being scratched, raising doubts about whether the men were genuine officers.
“This entire experience was frightening, humiliating, and painful… No citizen deserves to be treated this way,” Mbaogu wrote.
ACP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) responded, assuring that the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi (@AbimbolaShotayo), is handling the matter and promised that justice would be served.
“Sorry you had to experience this. The PPRO Lagos is on top of the matter and would give us updates. We can assure you that justice will be served,” Hundeyin stated.
SP Abimbola Adebisi also tagged the Lagos Police Complaint Response Unit (@CruLagospolice) for attention.
The incident triggered a wave of commentary from Nigerians, many of whom expressed frustration with recurring cases of police harassment.
One user, @iam_emanus, said he would never step out of his car when stopped by police, only lowering his window slightly to provide documents.
Another, @bosunoyeleke, accused officers of routinely making excuses for misconduct.
Others echoed similar sentiments. @OfficiaEdoOsasB described the ordeal as “exactly the modus operandi of the Nigerian Police Force that we meet on the road every day.”
@blakraz praised senior police officials but condemned “animals on the road” who undermine their work.
@uniqueeooo questioned whether officers even had the right to check vehicle documents, insisting that only proof of ownership should be examined.
Several users identified specific police units, such as the Ladegboye Police Post’s Anti-Cultism Squad, accusing them of turning into “extortion squads.”
Some went further, calling the Nigerian Police “a big criminal organisation” and comparing officers to kidnappers.
Many users tagged senior police officials, including Acting Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu (@TunjiDisu1), urging swift action and systemic reforms.
Some advised citizens to protect themselves by recording encounters live on social media, refusing to pay bribes, and demanding proper investigations.
“This same thing has happened to me in Ilorin,” one user recounted, alleging that officers forced him to admit to fraud and then demanded payment for his release.
Another, @Makizee_, argued that state policing is the only solution, while @BelieveGod_1 criticised rogue officers for ignoring recent directives against impunity.
