Lagos agency suspends officers over assault of driver during #EndSARSMemorial

The management of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) says it has suspended its officers who were involved in the assault of Adedotun Clement, a driver of a cab hailing service.

Viral videos showed the manhandling of Clement by LNSA personnel and police officers during the demonstration to mark a year since many citizens took to the streets to protest against police brutality under the #EndSARS movement.

The incident sparked outrage, with many Nigerians insisting that the officers should be sanctioned.

In a statement on Friday, the agency said the officers and their supervisors were charged with “disreputable conduct”.

“The two officers and the supervising officers were charged with disreputable conduct as a result of the assault on a member of the public, the use of pepper spray which is not a standard issue kit for officers of the Agency and general unruly behaviour capable of breaching public peace, all of which is in contempt of the Agency’s rules as contained in the LNSA Handbook Articles E (ii) & (iii), O (iv) and N (x) which covers conduct with the general public, negligence and general conduct on the job,” the statement reads..

“Following the panel sitting that lasted over four hours, the officers were found guilty of the charges preferred against them.

“Consequently, the two officers directly involved in the assault were publicly de-kitted and suspended from the agency for the next two months. They are also to be redeployed to another command of the agency for behavioural evaluation and further reprimand.

“In the same instance, the commanding superintendents and the divisional commander for Lagos Division of LNSC, under whose jurisdiction and command at the event were also suspended for one month and their deputies are to act in their place until further notice – all with immediate effect.”

The agency apologised to Clement and the public, adding that it places “high premium” on its relationship with the people.

“The general manager of the agency, Prince Dr Ifalade Oyekan, however restated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to the security of lives and properties of the people of Lagos state,” it added.