Obstructing Policemen from Performing their Duty is Criminal Offence,. Hundeyin Warns

The Lagos State Police Command has warned the general public against obstructing police officers while discharging their lawful duties, stating that it is a criminal offense.

This comes after a viral video at Omole Estate in the Ojodu area of the state, where estate security personnel were seen preventing uniformed police officers from gaining access into the estate.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known in a statement on Saturday, emphasizing that obstructing police officers is not only improper but also unlawful and punishable under the laws of the land.

According to Hundeyin, the police personnel in the video were not serving with the Lagos State Command, but were rather on escort and protection duty to the state from other police detachments outside Lagos State.

The incident, which was captured on video and circulated on social media, showed estate security personnel blocking the entrance to the estate and preventing the police officers from entering.

The video sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many calling for the police to take action against the estate management and security personnel.

However, the Lagos State Police Command has come out to clarify that the police officers in the video were not from the command, and that the incident is being investigated. The command has assured the public that it will not cover up any wrongdoing by its personnel and that any officer found guilty of high-handedness or abuse of power will face necessary disciplinary measures.

Hundeyin emphasized that police officers were empowered by law to use minimum force as necessary to carry out their lawful obligations in the protection of lives and property and to ensure the safety and security of every Nigerian.

He stated that the police will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law to bear on perpetrators and ensure justice to serve as a deterrent to others.

The PRO also expressed disappointment that the management of Omole Estate did not report the incident to the police, instead resorting to self-help on social media. He urged the estate management and residents to always report incidents of concern to the police and follow up to see the action taken against such officers, instead of resorting to self-help.

The police are appealing to all residents to continue to cooperate with them in the prevention and detection of crimes to ensure a safe and secure environment for all. Hundeyin emphasized that the police will not tolerate any form of obstruction or lawlessness and will take necessary action to maintain law and order in the state.