In a shocking incident in, Nigerian policemen reportedly brutalized and sexually assaulted women during a confrontation over the seizure of a commercial motorcycle. The harrowing details emerged after a video obtained by SaharaReporters showed the policemen beating a woman and one operative stripping her naked.
A Lagos resident, identified as Iya Lati, narrated the ordeal, claiming to have been among the victims of the police’s violent actions. According to her, the incident began when plainclothes policemen attempted to seize the motorcycle of a commercial rider in the area. The motorcyclist, initially mistaking the officers for robbers, raised an alarm.
Iya Lati explained, “The incident started when policemen without uniforms came to seize a motorcycle in our area. They pushed the rider, causing his key to fall, and immediately picked it up. The rider, thinking they were thieves, started shouting for help. It was only later we realized they were policemen. The man was desperate, saying he couldn’t bear losing his bike after the police had confiscated his previous one. A scuffle ensued, and I stepped out to intervene.”
She recounted how the situation spiraled into chaos. The police began chasing away women who were pleading on behalf of the motorcyclist, resorting to violence and stripping people naked. “The woman they stripped naked stood beside my shop but managed to escape. That’s when they turned on me. Two of them started beating me, tearing off my clothes, including my underwear. I fainted because I was still recovering from an illness. Eventually, two more officers joined in, bringing the total to four.”
According to her, the assault left her unconscious, and she had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment. Despite her condition, the police continued their aggression by arresting her daughter, Nafisat, and subjecting her to similar brutality.
“They beat me into a coma and later arrested my daughters, who had done nothing wrong. The level of cruelty we experienced is unimaginable,” she lamented.
The disturbing incident underscores the persistent issue of police brutality in Nigeria, sparking outrage and calls for accountability. Many citizens have expressed deep concern over the behavior of law enforcement officers, demanding immediate investigations and justice for the victims.
This case adds to a growing list of police misconduct incidents in Nigeria, raising serious questions about the abuse of power and the protection of citizens’ rights. The public awaits action from authorities to address this grave violation and ensure that the culprits are held accountable.
