Lagos Police Identify Officers in Viral Harassment Video, Vow Disciplinary Action Amid Public Fury
According to a report by Punch Newspapers on Saturday April 4 2026Watch The Video Here
The Nigeria Police Force in Lagos has moved swiftly to identify officers caught in a heated confrontation with a young man that has ignited widespread anger on social media.
A video circulating on X, originally shared by user Somto Okonkwo, captures the dramatic moment when officers stopped a vehicle and demanded to search the occupant’s phone. The man refused, leading to a tense scuffle. In the footage, he climbs atop his car to resist, while officers tug at his shirt and legs in an attempt to pull him down. Onlookers shout encouragement as the driver reportedly flees the scene. A second clip shows the man on the ground, still struggling before eventually escaping with two companions.
The clip quickly went viral, with many Nigerians accusing the officers — believed to be from the Lagos State Command tactical team — of harassment and unprofessional conduct. Critics highlighted the officers’ unkempt appearance, civilian clothing, and unmarked vehicle, questioning how citizens are meant to distinguish them from criminals.
In a statement released via X, the Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that the officers involved have been identified. She revealed that preliminary findings showed the young man and his two companions were allegedly found in possession of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and were observed smoking them in public.
“The officers responded out of a legitimate concern for public safety,” Adebisi stated, adding that they used “minimal and proportionate force” in line with operational standards. However, she acknowledged the man’s resistance to lawful arrest and his subsequent flight.
The Command has promised disciplinary action against the officers, a move aimed at restoring public trust. Yet the development has sparked mixed reactions. While some applaud the swift identification, others remain sceptical, arguing that such incidents reflect deeper issues of police accountability in Lagos.
As the investigation continues, the viral video serves as a stark reminder of the fragile relationship between law enforcement and citizens. Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the promised disciplinary measures will translate into real reform or simply another headline that fades with time.