Police IG orders investigation into torture of Lagos couple

The Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has ordered an investigation into the torture of a couple by police officers in Lagos.

The couple were attacked while travelling at night in a commercial taxi in Lagos, Punch newspaper reported on Tuesday.

The report said Ejeh Smith, a photographer, and his wife, Grace, were battered by a police officer, identified as Dada Ogunsanya, along the Lekki Roundabout last Wednesday.

Mr. Ejeh was pulled out of the taxi and punched on the face after his wife had asked the officer to stop flashing a torchlight at her.

Mr. Ejeh said he was later hit with the butt of a gun, while the rampaging officer dragged his wife on road and later stamped on her abdomen.

The report said the divisional police officer in charge, Aisha Haruna, said the officer was right to have attacked the couple, and failed to take care of their medical treatment.

Mr. Ejeh and his wife are currently receiving treatment at a Lagos Hospital for wounds they sustained from the attack.

A statement, Thursday, by police spokesperson, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said the Inspector General, Mr. Abba, has ordered full investigations into the attack after he was briefed about the incident.”

Mr. Ojukwu said the police officer involved has been identified and an administrative trial is already ongoing.

“All other officers whose conduct did not speak well on the incident are also being sanctioned, preparatory to further necessary action,” Mr. Ojukwu said.

He said the IGP is in line with his commitment to protect and uphold the rights of all Nigerians.