By Kunle Koleosho
In what can be described as an abuse of power and a violation of human rights, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Oko-Oba Division in Ojokoro LCDA, have increasingly become a source of hardship and fear for road users at night.
The primary responsibility of the Police is to maintain law and order. However, it is shocking and disturbing that this responsibility has now been turned into a tool for extortion, harassment of commuters, and unlawful arrest of innocent residents at night.
The officers stationed around Olaniyi Road, Funsho Owoyemi Junction, Abule-Egba, Lagos, have repeatedly abused their positions by arresting motorcycle riders and other road users, demanding money before release.
A recent incident occurred on Saturday, November 8, 2025. An eyewitness returning from work reported that a boy under the age of 18, who was waiting for his father at Funsho Owoyemi Junction, was picked up by the police in their patrol tricycle without any offense committed. He was only released after his father arrived and challenged the officers while they were dragging the child away.
These activities have also caused accidents, as commuters often panic when officers suddenly attempt to make forceful and illegal arrests. Some victims have sustained serious injuries, especially where officers take advantage of poorly lit areas along the road.
We call on Hon. Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo, Barrister Oluyemisi Rosiji, Hon. Emmanuel Olotu, and other relevant stakeholders to urgently call the officers of Oko-Oba Police Division to order.
Their overbearing behavior has already caused public unrest and, if not addressed promptly, may lead to a breakdown of law and order.
We further appeal to our political office holders to ensure proper street lighting along Olaniyi–Agbe Road to prevent future incidents and curb criminal activities in the area. The Police should focus on arresting criminals and hoodlums, not innocent citizens who have committed no offense.
