Allegations of Armed Robbery Leveled Against Officers from Akinpelu Police Station in Lagos
Residents of Oshodi in Lagos have raised serious concerns about certain officers from Akinpelu Police Division, accusing them of operating more like armed criminals than law enforcement agents. These officers, known by nicknames or first names like Ife, Joseph, Debo, and ‘World Best,’ allegedly patrol areas such as Balogun and Bolade, detaining individuals at gunpoint and demanding cash for their release.
During a recent visit with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Benedict Eilenbaluagbon, FIJ presented multiple complaints from the community. According to residents, these officers conduct late-night raids without just cause, using force and threats to arrest people simply for being out past midnight. One individual recounted being picked up while closing his sister’s shop and held without charges, suffering through the night in unsanitary conditions.
In a sit-down interview, DPO Eilenbaluagbon justified the night operations, citing high crime rates in the area. He claimed his officers were instructed to conduct random checks and screenings as part of crime control efforts. Despite acknowledging room for improvement, he did not act on the specific allegations or summon any officers involved for questioning.
Incidents involving extortion were also reported. One resident, Ifesinachi Emegwalu, provided evidence of a N20,000 payment to an account allegedly linked to an officer named Usman Lasisi. Others said they paid varying amounts to secure their freedom, with the DPO casually dismissing one complaint by saying, “Police don’t return money.”
After continued pressure, the DPO reluctantly refunded N10,000 to Emegwalu, claiming it came from his personal funds to avoid implicating his men. He urged that attention be given to the manageable issues while dismissing longstanding misconduct as irreversible.
This isn’t the first controversy linked to the station. Back in 2019, five officers were sanctioned after a man, Maliki Mohammed, was fatally shot during an arrest operation at a nightclub, in violation of police protocols.
Despite disciplinary actions taken in the past, complaints about the conduct of Akinpelu Police officers persist. Attempts to reach the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, for comments have so far been
unsuccessful.
