Moshood Jimoh, Lagos commissioner of police, says he will not hesitate to dissolve the state task force — the police unit that enforces environmental and traffic laws — if there is clear evidence of human rights violations.

Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Jimoh said the command will no longer tolerate unprofessionalism.

Of late, there has been a surge of allegations of extortion and other human rights violations against police officers attached to the task force.

A recent video published by Objevtv Media showed the task force’s operatives arresting lawyers over land matters. The video had elicited criticisms, with many questioning the involvement of police in civil cases.

Reacting to the allegations against the task force, Jimoh said the command will investigate any officer accused of extortion, torture, and other human rights abuses.

The police commissioner, however, said it would be easy to conduct the investigations if the affected individuals provided the authorities with evidence.

Moshood said he had met with the officials of the task force and warned them against human rights abuses.

“We are not going to defend any police officers who embarks on any wrongdoing. We won’t,” he said.

Moshood Jimoh, flanked by Adetayo Akerele, chairman of the Lagos task force, at a press conference at the police command in Ikeja, Lagos.
“If I can charge five police officers to court for the case in Owode Onirin, then who will I not discipline if there is wrongdoing?

“We want the general public to know that we are not covering the task force. We have read the riot act to them yesterday that if I have a complaint of any wrongdoing again, and it is verifiable and investigated, I will not hesitate to dissolve the entire task force and bring in a new set of officers to join them.

“As we speak, we have been posting new officers to the task force after thorough background checks, training, and reorientation.

“We are going to engage human rights organisations and CSOs so that we can broaden their minds on human rights.”

The Lagos police commissioner said the command is ready to engage with residents to understand the shortcomings of the police in order to make corrections.
By Ayodele Oluwafemi
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