There has been widespread outrage at the action of a policeman, Dada Ogunsanya, who allegedly brutalised a photographer, Ejeh Smith and his wife, Grace, in the Lekki area of Lagos State.
Among those that called for the sanction of the officer was a human rights lawyer, Femi Falana and a constitutional lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay, who also stated that the Ikoyi Divisional Police Officer, Aisha Haruna, deserved harsher punishment for abetting the brutality.
The PUNCH online readers were unanimous in their condemnation of the act, with some calling for the sacking of the officer and the demotion of the DPO.
Our correspondent had reported on Wednesday that Ejeh and Grace were going home in a taxi when Ogunsanya and six other police officers patrolling the area flagged down their cab at the Lekki Roundabout.
The policeman was said to have asked the cab driver, Ndubuisi Iheaka, to open his boot for a routine check.
He allegedly asked the couple to alight the cab when they asked him to stop flashing his torch on them since the vehicle’s inner lights were on.
In the argument that ensued, our correspondent was told that the police officer hit Ejeh in the eye with the butt of his rifle and punched his wife in the face.
He also allegedly stepped on Grace’s stomach and dragged her on the floor until a stranger passing by intervened and insisted that the policemen call their boss to the scene.
After the Ikoyi DPO, Mrs. Haruna, arrived at the scene, she allegedly supported the officers and gave Grace’s phone to an inspector who deleted all her recordings of the incident.
She also allegedly said she would have locked up the duo in the cell but for their injuries.
The couple was said to have been treated at the Falomo Police Hospital, where they foot their medical bills.
The human rights lawyer, Falana, described the incident as unfortunate.
In a telephone interview with our correspondent, he said, “It is the height of infringement on their fundamental human rights to dignity. The policeman involved has to be shamed and prosecuted because he exposed them to mental, psychological and physical torture. The policeman certainly does not deserve to be in uniform.
“The DPO’s action subjected them to further torture. She has no power under the law to collect the phone and remove any information therein. Her case is worse than even the policeman she was trying to shield. She is paid to superintend the policemen under her. For colluding with the police officer, she also deserved the full weight of the law on her.”
Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said his chamber was prepared to take up the case for the family without any charge.
Sagay said the police officer was “an out-of-control animal, a brute and a killer.”
“The couple should sue the police for the enforcement of their fundamental rights. They will recover very high damages for the injury they suffered and an apology from the Inspector General of Police.
“The police officer is a danger to the public and should not be in the police force,” he added.
Our correspondent on Wednesday observed that the report, as of 5.45pm, had been read for more than 28,000 times and had received about 232 likes on the online portal of The PUNCH Newspapers.
The comments had also risen to over 250 with about 110 of them demanding punishment for the cop and the DPO.
A PUNCH reader, Hastel Idowu, said, “The only difference between our policemen and touts is the arms they are authorised to carry. They require training prior to being certified to carry out police duties and carry arms. When you go elsewhere, you will see the difference.”
Another reader, James Oke, urged the couple to see the brutality as a blessing in disguise.
He added, “Sue the police officer that assaulted you and join the DPO as co-defendant. Do not join the IG as that will make it more difficult to get a landslide victory. Ask for damages and compensation to the tune of N100m.”
Another reader, Femi Pedro, while reacting to a call for the demotion of the DPO, said, “Demoted? You mean incarcerated for a minimum of 10 years to serve as a deterrent to other bad leaders in the field of enforcement of the law? Maybe, then maybe, we will start to see changes in our law enforcement officers’ attitude and demeanor. We are citizens and not animals to be cowed.”
An anonymous reader asked the police authorities to investigate the case and give justice to the couple.
Another reader, Mota Gur, said, “The masses should find a common platform to protest atrocious acts like this by organising rallies and mass protests. Don’t let it die down because the police have soiled the image of this country enough.”
Yemi O. said, “Double betrayal. The police that should protect become the source of danger; the DPO in whom they then put their trust then rubber-stamped the act of wickedness. Let us see how far this rot goes. Will the press, the courts and government officials also sell out?”