Lagos Police Investigate Viral Video of Officer Beaten by Mob Over Alleged Theft
The Lagos State Police Command has launched a probe into a viral video showing a uniformed officer being attacked by a crowd over claims of theft.
The footage, which began circulating on Wednesday, shows the officer sitting on the ground with blood streaming from his mouth, surrounded by an angry mob. Distressed and pleading, he appeared helpless as onlookers recorded the incident on their phones.
Voices in the video repeatedly accused the officer of stealing, though the exact nature of the alleged offense remains unclear. At one point, another officer pushed through the crowd in an effort to rescue his colleague. Meanwhile, vehicles and tricycles slowly navigated around the chaotic scene, which appeared to take place in a busy area of Lagos, as evidenced by a yellow commercial bus labeled “Ayedade” in the background.
In response to the video, Lagos Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances and verify the officer’s identity.
“The command has seen the viral video. We are investigating to establish the full facts and confirm the officer’s identity. Updates will follow,” Adebisi wrote on X.
The Nigerian Police Force has previously cautioned the public against mob justice, stressing that allegations—whether involving civilians or security personnel—must be handled through legal channels.
This comes weeks after the Plateau State Police Command confirmed the arrest of 18 people connected to the killing of a police officer known as Inspector Jeremiah, along with a suspect, during a mob attack in Bassa Local Government Area. That attack reportedly occurred as police attempted to apprehend individuals accused of intimidation, trespass, and farm encroachment.
