KINGSLEY EBERE
Tension gripped motorists and commuters on a busy Lagos highway on Monday morning after a Police officer was allegedly attacked while performing official duties. The incident drew a crowd and caused temporary disruption to traffic flow.
The incident occurred during a routine patrol and stop-and-search operation by officers of the Lagos State Police Command. Eyewitnesses said the team was enforcing traffic and security regulations at Seliu Oje Area, Isheri Oshun, when they flagged down a vehicle.
According to sources at the scene, the confrontation began after the officer approached the driver to request vehicle documents. The driver, identified as Chukwu Ezeanya, 38, reportedly became aggressive and questioned the reason for the stop.
The situation escalated when Ezeanya allegedly engaged the officer in a verbal altercation. Police said the argument drew the attention of other road users who stopped to watch.
The prosecutor told the court that during the exchange, Ezeanya allegedly threatened to kill one Innocent Osunkwo. The charge sheet stated that the conduct was likely to cause breach of peace.
It was gathered that when officers moved to effect arrest, Ezeanya allegedly resisted. In the process, he was accused of assaulting F/No 557429 PC Jimoh Damola despite the officer and ASP Imoina Andrew identifying themselves with their Police warrant cards.
Reinforcement from nearby patrol teams arrived quickly. They restored order, dispersed the crowd, and took Ezeanya into custody.
The injured officer was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. A medical report confirmed he sustained bruises but was later discharged.
After investigation, the case file was forwarded for legal advice. The Police subsequently charged Ezeanya before the Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ejigbo.
The charge sheet listed three counts. Count one was conduct likely to cause breach of peace contrary to Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Count two was threat to life contrary to Section 56(1). Count three was assault on a Police officer contrary to Section 172.
The prosecutor, Simon Njue, told the court that the offences occurred on 29/06/2026 at about 11:30am. The Magistrate, F.R. Ogunkoyede, granted Ezeanya bail in the sum of N500,000 and adjourned the case to 4/8/2026 for further hearing.
The Lagos State Police Command has urged members of the public to cooperate with officers on the highways. The Command warned that attacks on Police personnel carrying out lawful duties would be met with the full weight of the law.
Legal experts say the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty before a competent court.