The Lagos State Police Command has clarified that the man seen in a viral video being manhandled by police officers was arrested for alleged illegal possession of drugs, not for wearing dreadlocks.
The command’s spokesperson and a Chief Superintendent of Police, Benjamin Hundeyin, made this clarification in a post on his X handle.
In the video, which began trending on social media over the weekend, a voice could be heard claiming that the man was apprehended and assaulted for having dreadlocks and looking like a fraudster.
Responding to the video, Hundeyin dismissed the claim as false.
Also Read:
- Kvaratskhelia hopes to fire PSG past Bayern into final
- Lawyers decry absence of clear legal framework for skit makers in Nigeria
- Alleged N1.6bn money laundering: EFCC re-arraigns Bauchi AG, BDC operator
- SMEDAN raises concern over low MSMEs participation in support programmes
- Despite N85.13trn trade boost, manufacturers decry low export share
“The narrative is false, misleading, and malicious,” he said, adding: “The suspect was arrested at Bassey Street in the Egbeda area of Lagos State based on complaints from residents about the activities of young men abusing and selling drugs openly.
“The police responded and the young man was indeed caught with hard drugs.
“Due to his resistance and struggle, minimal force was used to subdue him.”
According to the image maker, the suspect alongside others arrested will be prosecuted accordingly.
