Alimosho Residents Cry Out over Indiscriminate Arrests by Police, Seek IG, Lagos CP Attention

Alimosho residents,which comprises of Ipaja, Alagbado, Ayobo and others that fall under Area P of the Lagos State Police Command are now living in palpable fear following incessant raids said to have been carried out by the police in the jurisdiction.

IG of Police, Alkali Baba

The residents alleged that the police have been making indiscriminate arrests, adding that many  have suffered psychological trauma as a result.

We were told that some of the victims were arrested in front of their homes and were slammed in detention if they failed to meet certain demands.

“Those who failed to cooperate usually ended up in cell and would only be released by bribing their way out,” some of the residents disclosed.

A community leader in the area, Chief Maiyegun Simidele, who spoke with this medium, stressed that; “our supposed protectors have turned our harassers. They daily harass, embarrass and arrest our people on flimsy excuses. Police allegations are usually frivolous. This is quite nauseating. I want to believe that it is leadership failure.

“If you don’t dance to their tune, they would look for a way to rope you before clamping you into detention.”

This new style of arrest, the chief noted, has been going on for weeks.

Also speaking on the matter, another resident, Mr. Olugbodi Otere, said two men were picked up  by the police while they were relaxing in front of their house at Ipaja and it took the intervention of a community leader to secure their release after paying a huge sum for their bail.

Olugbodi, therefore, pleaded with both the Lagos State commissioner of police and the Inspector-General of police to wade in “before the matter goes out of hand”.

“We are appealing to the police top brass to use their good offices to call to order their men from Area P. They should look into the conducts of the Area P operatives. It appears the Area Commander, Mr. Olanrewaju Idowu, has been too busy to stop watch his men,” Olugbodi stated.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State police image maker, Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin, has implored the aggrieved residents to, through their leaders, reach out to the Area Commander, adding that complainants should also make use of the police complaint channels as a way of resolving issues.

“We are partners in progress. Police is always there to serve the people. Now, we have a people-oriented police,” Hundeyin pleads.