A commercial bus driver, Adewale Oseni, is seeking justice after allegedly being brutalized by a police officer, identified as Supol Akeem, also known as “Spider,” who is attached to the Makinde Police Station in Oshodi, Lagos. The incident, which occurred on July 14, has left Oseni paralysed and unable to work.
Oseni recounted that the altercation began when he was returning home around 10 pm after buying food for his three children, who had not eaten since the afternoon. As he made his way back, Officer Akeem reportedly accosted him, despite his efforts to explain and show the food he had bought. Akeem, known within the community as a tough enforcer, allegedly struck Oseni with an iron baseball baton, severely injuring his right leg.
“The bus I drove had a mechanical fault, which delayed me till late at night. My children were hungry, so I went out to buy food for them. On my way back, Akeem stopped me, and despite my pleas and showing him the food, he was relentless. He hit me with an iron baton on my leg,” Oseni narrated.
Following the assault, Oseni was taken to the Makinde Police Station, where he was detained overnight. The next day, he was transferred to the Lagos State Task Force office and later taken to court, where he was sentenced to three weeks in Kirikiri Correctional Centre. Oseni expressed frustration over the sentence, which he believes was unjust, as he had not committed any crime.
While in prison, the injury to Oseni’s leg worsened, and upon his release on August 10, he found that the wounds on both his hands and legs had turned into severe sores. Despite seeking medical attention, he was told he needed a police report for further treatment, which added to his distress.
Oseni, now paralysed and unable to work, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Fayoade, to intervene. He is demanding compensation for his injuries and the prosecution of the officer responsible. “I can’t fend for my children after their mother died two months ago. The police should compensate me and punish the officer who abused his power,” Oseni urged.
The Coordinator of Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, Ebenezer Omejalile, condemned the incident, labeling it a clear case of police brutality and a miscarriage of justice. He called for immediate action against the officer involved.
Attempts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, for comment were unsuccessful as of the time this report was filed.
