A commercial bus driver in Lagos, Adewale Oseni, is demanding justice after allegedly being brutalized by a police officer identified as Supol Akeem, also known as “Spider,” who is attached to the Makinde Police Station in Oshodi.
According to the PUNCH, Oseni claims the officer’s actions led to severe injuries, wrongful imprisonment, and significant hardship for him and his children.
Oseni recounted that the incident occurred on July 14, around 10 p.m., while he was returning home after purchasing food for his three children.
His wife had passed away just three months prior, leaving him as the sole caretaker of his children, aged 14, 10, and six.
According to Oseni, his bus had broken down earlier that day, delaying his return home. When he finally arrived, his children were hungry, having eaten their last meal in the afternoon. He quickly went to buy food for them at a nearby canteen.
On his way back, he was accosted by Officer Akeem, who refused to listen to his explanations or pleas, despite being shown the food he had just purchased.
“Akeem knows me well as a commercial bus driver in the community,” Oseni explained.
“But he still decided to take me to the station. When I continued pleading, he hit me hard on my right leg with an iron baseball baton.”
Oseni was detained at the Makinde Police Station overnight. The next morning, he and five others were transferred to the Lagos State Task Force office, where they were processed and taken to court.
Despite his pleas, Oseni was sentenced to three weeks in Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
“The injuries from the officer’s assault worsened in prison,” Oseni said.
“When I was finally released on August 10, I found that my leg had become severely infected, and I couldn’t work or care for my children.”
Oseni is calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Fayoade, to intervene.
He is also seeking compensation for his injuries and demanding the prosecution of Officer Akeem for abusing his power.
Speaking, the Coordinator of Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, Ebenezer Omejalile said “This is a clear case of police brutality and abuse of power. Officer Akeem must be held accountable for his actions.”
Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, for comment were unsuccessful as of the time this report was filed.
