N1m donated to police officer assaulted by motorist

Nigerians impressed by the action of Sunday Erhabor, assistant superintendent of police assaulted by Victor Ebhomenyen, a motorist in Lagos, have raised N1 million to appreciate him for his professionalism in the face of provocation.

The fundraising, which was coordinated by two Facebook users, Ugo Egburo and Shola Aje, started on April 18 and ended on April 21 – for willing Nigerians to “support ethical policing”.

Egburo, who initiated the idea, called on other Nigerians to show their support for responsible policing displayed by the officer.

“Many of us have indicated interest to bless that police officer. The idea is to support ethical policing. This is the process, I have convinced Shola Aje to coordinate,” Egburo wrote on his Facebook page.

“He muted the idea to reward the policeman. We will use his account, the process will be transparent, and the idea is to encourage responsible policing.

“We will give ourselves 48 hours. No amount is too small. It’s a show of support.”

At 12:46PM on Wednesday, Egburo took to his Facebook page to announce the completion of the fundraising, noting that the money will be delivered to him today.

“Final update. Mission accomplished, 158 persons contributed, we gathered N920, 600, and I ran to Warawara, he made it up. We have N1, 000, 000,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

“The channel is closed, the draft will be delivered later today”

The policeman, an officer of the Lagos state Rapid Response Squad (RSS), and his team had on April 16 encountered a motorist who drove against traffic, but instead of being remorseful physically attacked the officer.

In a video, Ebhomenyen was seen assaulting the policeman who did not retaliate even while wielding a rifle.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, on April 19 honoured the officer for his professionalism.

“I want to, on behalf of the government and entire people of Lagos state to commend ASP Erhabor for a show of patience, decorum, and what is expected of a police officer,” the governor had said.

“I want to implore all other officers to see that indeed there will be a time when you will be provoked, restraint will work.”