(DDM) – The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation following the circulation of a viral video showing a police officer assaulting a commercial bus conductor in Ikorodu, Lagos. The footage has sparked outrage across social media platforms, prompting calls for accountability and transparency.
The incident reportedly occurred when the conductor allegedly refused to comply with traffic regulations enforced by police and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officers. Eyewitnesses said the bus was obstructing traffic, leading officers to attempt to arrest the conductor for violating traffic laws.
According to reports, the conductor resisted arrest, allegedly physically confronting the officer and other law enforcement personnel. In an unusual and dramatic act, the conductor stripped himself naked in an attempt to evade detention, further intensifying the standoff. The confrontation, which lasted several minutes, was captured by bystanders on mobile devices, subsequently going viral on social media.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that the officer involved has been identified, and an internal disciplinary review has been initiated to determine whether his actions violated professional conduct and human-rights standards. The command assured the public that a thorough investigation would be carried out, stressing that officers are expected to enforce the law professionally without resorting to unnecessary force.
The bus involved in the incident has been impounded, and the conductor has been summoned to appear before the Commissioner of Police for further questioning. Authorities emphasized the need for law-abiding conduct by all parties while reaffirming their commitment to protecting citizens’ rights.
This episode has reignited the ongoing national debate on police brutality in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, where allegations of excessive force and misconduct by security personnel remain persistent. Civil society groups and human rights organizations have condemned the violence, urging authorities to enforce accountability mechanisms and provide mandatory training on professional conduct.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the confrontation caused significant disruption to traffic along Ikorodu’s main thoroughfares. Passengers and pedestrians reportedly intervened, pleading for calm and warning the officer to stop the assault, which appeared to put the conductor’s life at risk.
Security analysts say incidents like these highlight systemic challenges in policing, including inadequate training on conflict resolution and excessive reliance on force. They recommend reforming protocols for arrest procedures and increasing oversight of security personnel to prevent future occurrences.
The Lagos State Police Command has asked residents to continue reporting misconduct, promising swift action against any officer found culpable while urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement. Meanwhile, social media users continue to debate the conduct of both the police officer and the bus conductor, with opinions sharply divided between those condemning the officer’s actions and those questioning the conductor’s resistance.