IG’s Crack Squad operatives beaten to coma, hospitalised

An Assistant Superintendent of Police, simply identified as Sonny, and a Sergeant, also simply identified as Curtis, and attached to the Crack Squad of the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, have been beaten to coma by staff and guests of Pelican International Hotel and Resort, Lekki, Ajah area of Lagos State.
The policemen were attacked when they trailed a suspected cybercrime fraudster, popularly known as Yahoo Yahoo, to the hotel.
The policemen were in mufti while attempting to carry out the operation, though accompanied by a Corporal in uniform.
It is believed that they were on illegal operation since they allegedly did not book and announce their presence at the nearest police station, which was Ilasan Police Station.
Trouble reared its head after they got into the hotel and refused to buy anything.
The barman did not take kindly to that and questioned them.
This led to a heated argument, which resulted in a free for all.
By the time the fight started, the Corporal in uniform took to his heels.
Sonny, Curtis and Corporal are all attached to the IGP’s Crack Squad at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
The policemen were rushed to the Ikeja Police College Clinic.
Curtis was said to have received a pint of blood in other to survive, while doctors battled to save the sight of Sonny.
Curtis, some weeks back, was said to have shattered another policeman’s leg with his rifle while chasing after a Yahoo Yahoo suspect in another alleged illegal operation.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, has confirmed the incident.
Famous-Cole said: “Two men, among those that assaulted the policemen have been arrested.
“The case has been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja, police headquarters, where we can be able to monitor investigations properly.
“This will serve as deterrent to members of the public to stop attacking policemen.
“Investigations are however ongoing and further findings on the matter will be made public.
“The policemen have received treatment.”