Police probe viral video of officer mobbed over theft allegation

The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into a viral video showing a uniformed officer being assaulted by a mob over an allegation of stealing.

The video, which began circulating on Wednesday, captured the officer with blood pouring from his mouth as he sat on the ground surrounded by an angry crowd.

Visibly distressed and pleading, the officer, still in his uniform, appeared helpless as dozens of onlookers held up their phones to record the scene.

While voices in the background repeatedly accused him of theft, the specific offence remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

At one point in the footage, another officer attempted to intervene, pushing through the crowd in a bid to rescue his colleague.

The mob continued chanting “Ole! (Thief)” in Yoruba as commercial vehicles and tricycles moved slowly around the scene.

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A yellow commercial bus with the inscription “Ayedade” was also visible, suggesting the incident occurred in a busy Lagos axis.

Reacting to the circulating footage, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, said the command had commenced efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and confirm the officer’s identity.

Adebisi wrote on X, ”The command has seen the viral video.

“We are investigating to determine the full circumstances and confirm the identity of the officer. Updates will follow soon.”

Recall the Nigerian Police Force had urged the public to refrain from mob justice, reiterating that allegations, whether against civilians or security operatives, must be handled through lawful channels.

ValidViewNetwork had reported that the Plateau State Police Command confirmed the arrest of 18 individuals in connection with the killing of a police officer simply known as Inspector Jeremiah and a suspect during a mob attack in Bassa Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the mob attack occurred when police officers attempted to apprehend a suspect accused of intimidation, trespass, and farm encroachment.