Yes, Something Happened But Not As Bad As Narrated – Lagos Magistrate Clears The Air

MICHAEL AKINOLA

Following news report that a Lagos Magistrate was detained by an Area Commander in Lagos and the subsequent reaction by the Police spokesperson describing it as fiction, the said Magistrate has cleared the air on the incident.

The alleged detained Magistrate, Chief Magistrate Court 1, Mushin, Mrs. Matekun, has confirmed that she went on an official visit to the Area D Command. It was when she wanted to visit the cell that the Area Commander, ACP Aliko Dankoli, demanded that his approval should be sort and given before she will carry out her duty.

“…Yes something happened but not as bad as it was narrated. I went on the Police visit to Mushin and the Area Commander insisted that I must take his approval or permission before I interrogate the suspects in the cell. And I explained to him that having seen his senior officers, who led me to the cell, that I don’t think I need to see him first. That I might come back to him after interrogating the suspects if need be.”

“But he insisted that it shouldn’t have gone that way; but I put it to him that it is the way I do my job and I need not come and take permission from his office.”

“I stood my ground that I must conclude my job and his officers are the ones to report to him after I might have finished or if there is any need for me to see him, I will see him.”
“Though he agitated and shouted but I stood my ground. That was what happened.”

On what step she took after the encounter, Mrs. Matekun said that on the second day, she made an official report and the Area Commander was cautioned with an assurance that a formal apology would be tendered.

In her words, Mrs. Matekun stated: “That was what happened before the viral news that I was arrested. There was no arrest or detention”.

“I am fine and I think the High Court is taking proper step on the issue.”