The Police on Monday offered reasons why it arrested the owner of popular Lagos club and member of the House of Representatives, Shina Peller.
The reasons were adduced in a statement by the spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Bala Elkana.
In the statement, Elkana explained the Peller was arrested for storming Maroko Police Station with thugs in the bid to free vehicles impounded for obstructing traffic at Quilox.
He said on Sunday at about 9am, Police Officers on traffic control along Ozumba Mbadiwe Way, Victoria Island sent a traffic report to Maroko Police Station that the entire road leading to the toll gate is blocked as a result of indiscriminate parking on the major road by customers of Quilox Club at 183, Ozumba Mbadiwe Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Peller, who represents Iseyin Federal Constituency in Oyo State was allegedly approached by the DPO Maroko on the need to ensure that customers to his club do not block the major road to mitigate the undue hardship the obstruction is causing to other road users.
Elkana said the Police eventually cleared the traffic, with Peller promising to keep the road free of traffic.
He, however said on Monday at about 8:30am, traffic was observed to have built up on the road again, adding that the Police traced the cause to the Club again.
He said: “The club activities mostly last up to 9am from night and affecting the free flow of traffic in the area.
“The situation was so bad that commuters have to resort to trekking.
“Police team from Maroko Division led by the Divisional Police Officer, mobilised to the street and after much efforts, got the traffic flowing again.
“Three vehicles parked on the major highway by some customers of the club, which actually caused the obstruction, were removed to the Station.
“The Club owner mobilised over 50 thugs around 11am and invaded the Police Station to forcibly move the vehicles away.
“The Police Officers on duty at the station sent a distress message to the Headquarters calling for reinforcement.
“Police teams from neighbouring Divisions and Area J Command, led by the Area Commander were deployed to reinforce the Station.
“The Honourable Member and five thugs were arrested while others scaled through the fence and escaped.”
Elkana said the Commissioner, Lagos State Police Command, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba for in depth investigation.
He said the suspects will be charged to Court, adding: “Owners of club houses in Lagos State are warned to provide parking spaces for their customers within their premises to stop indiscriminate parking on the road.
“The good people of Lagos State have the right to enjoy free flow of traffic which informed the decision of the Command to declare a state of emergency in traffic.
“The slogan remains ‘Traffic must flow’ in Lagos State.”
Trending
- Confederation Cup: Rivers United host defending champions + All CC, CL fixtures
- Top five shows to binge on GOtv Stream catchUp this Easter holiday
- UTME: Candidates will now be held responsible if parents disrupt exam process – Prof. Oloyede
- FG restates commitment to press freedom, demands responsibility
- I’m not moved by cyberbullying — Alex Iwobi
- ICAN gives support to Senate probe of CBN’s Ways and Means
- Alleged defilement of girlfriend: 23-year-old student freed after two years
- We’re not aware of any BoT in Labour Party — NEC