By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Adeniyi Adefemi, the General Secretary of the Araromi Community Development Association in Kosofe, Lagos, has recounted a distressing ordeal involving the Bariga Divisional Police Officer (DPO). In a statement issued on Thursday in Kosofe, Lagos, Adefemi shared his experience, shedding light on an incident that unfolded at the popular Roundabout spare part market in Gbagada.
As Adefemi sought car parts around eight in the morning, he noticed the closure of shops due to Thursday sanitation. During his return, he witnessed a heated argument between a Lastma official and an unidentified plainclothes police officer.
“I walked past them and advised the Lastma lady to end the argument and return to her duty post. She complied, but as I proceeded, the officer aggressively confronted me, demanding an explanation for intervening,” Adefemi explained.
Despite Adefemi’s attempts to defuse the situation, the officer, later identified as DPO Ilaje Bariga, became increasingly hostile. A scuffle ensued, with onlookers revealing the officer’s identity. Despite pleas and intervention by a lawyer, the situation escalated, leading to a call for backup from Bariga police station.
After prolonged resistance, the DPO Ilaje Bariga reluctantly handed Adefemi over to the armless police Divisional Traffic Officer from Ifako Police Station. The journey to Ifako became a trek, as attempts to secure transportation were declined.
On the way, Adefemi alleges severe brutality by the officers in the vehicle, except the driver. He described enduring blows, slaps, and threats, with the situation worsening upon reaching Ilaje Police Station. Adefemi claims the DPO Ilaje Bariga bragged about previous incidents and ordered his rifle, causing apprehension.
After further encounters and statements at Ifako Police Station, Adefemi awaits resolution. Efforts are underway to contact the Ilaje Police Station DPO for their perspective on the alleged police brutality.
WATCH VIDEO
