Lagos DPO Removed Over Unlawful Detention Of Lawyer
By Mohammed Adekola
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered the immediate removal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Gowon Estate Police Station, CSP Sulaimon Kabir, over an unlawful detention of a lawyer.
The DPO had on December 30, 2023, ordered the detention of Barrister Olumide Sonupe, while he was at the station to seek the bail of his client.
The 36-year-old legal practitioner was later hospitalized when his health deteriorated upon his release from police detention, two days after he was detained.
The Lagos State Police boss was said to have ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter following the public outcry that trailed the actions of the senior police officer.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed his removal and explained that the DPO’s removal followed the conclusion of investigations into the allegations made against the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Gown Estate Division.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered the immediate removal of the DPO pending a review of his case by other supervisory authorities.
“The CP had earlier ordered a thorough investigation into the matter upon receipt of the publication.
“CP Fayoade has equally directed the OC Legal of the Command to initiate steps to reach out to the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos State Branch to enable a round table discussion towards preventing a recurrence of the avoidable incident and enhancing better police-lawyers relationship” he said.
