“They Took My Phone, My Dignity, and Nearly My Life — Lagos Man Speaks on Midnight Police Attack”
By Passman Akpos
A Lagos resident, Dumebi Maduka, has alleged a disturbing encounter with armed police officers during a late-night stop at a filling station behind Abraham Adesanya on Tuesday night, raising fresh concerns about police conduct and accountability.
According to Maduka’s account, the incident occurred at about 11:40 p.m. while he was in a parked vehicle with his brother as a friend stepped out to purchase fuel. Moments later, a commercial minibus, popularly known as a korope, reportedly without a plate number, pulled up in front of them.
Maduka said fear set in immediately when he noticed the occupants of the vehicle were armed. “I genuinely thought we were about to be kidnapped,” he stated.
He alleged that the armed men, later identified as police officers, ordered them out of the car and began searching them. While nothing incriminating was found during the initial search, the situation escalated when his brother questioned why he was being searched without consent. Maduka claimed the officer in charge ordered a forced search.
Sensing danger, Maduka began recording the incident on his phone, an action he says triggered a violent response. “The moment they noticed, one of the officers struck me in the mouth. Immediately, all six officers descended on me—dragging, beating, and assaulting me,” he recounted.
The officers allegedly seized his phone and took all items from his brother’s pockets before driving off in their vehicle.
Refusing to let the matter end there, Maduka said he and his brother followed the officers and caught up with them at another checkpoint along Abraham Adesanya, where a different police team was conducting vehicle checks. However, he claimed that when he attempted to report the incident, he was insulted and told that the officers could not arrest their “boss.” He further alleged that he was assaulted again in full public view.
The matter was later reported at Ajah Police Station, where officers were assigned to accompany the victims back to the scene. The suspects, however, reportedly failed to appear, and Maduka said he was later informed the officers were attached to Elemoro.
A turning point came at the Elemoro Police Station, where Maduka said the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Gbolahan, intervened. “For the first time that night, we were treated with dignity,” he said. According to Maduka, the CSP listened attentively, ensured they received medical treatment, personally covered the hospital bills, and ordered the arrest of the officers involved.“That moment restored a small part of the faith that had been shattered that night,” Maduka added.
The incident has since sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for transparent investigations and stronger measures to curb police brutality, while also acknowledging the role of senior officers who uphold professionalism and justice within the force.
“Na wa ooo,” Maduka concluded, echoing the frustration shared by many citizens.
