The mother of two identified as Mrs Adetola Abdulazeez who was assaulted by two police officers enforcing the lockdown directive in Osun has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, demanding a compensation of N200 million.
WITHIN NIGERIA had earlier reported that video of policemen mercilessly flogging a mother of two identified as Tola Azeez for violating the coronavirus lockdown in Osun state has surfaced on internet.
According to report, the incident attracted public outcry including that of the Oluwo of Iwo, the Osun State Government and also attracted the attention of the IGP who immediately ordered for the officers dismissal.
However, the lawyer of the victim, Pelumi Olajenbesi in a pre-action letter he submitted to the IGP on Monday which was obtained by NAN, Olajenbesi stated that her client was also demanding an apology for her battered image.
”We commend the swift intervention of the Inspector General of Police and that of other top Nigeria Police Force hierarchy, condemning the unprofessional conduct of the officers involved and the assurance of disciplinary action.
”While we recognise the authority of the Nigeria Police Force in containing the movement of people during this COVID-19 crisis, we believe strongly that same must be done in compliance with the rule of law.
”The video of the disgraceful act meted out on our client has since gone viral on the internet and has ridiculed her publicly, as she was seen being battered like a common thief by men of the Nigeria Police Force.
”We hereby demand that the Nigeria Police Force should address a letter of apology to our client personally showing honest concern and contrition to begin to ameliorate the continuous sadness and depression she continues to suffer.
”That the payment of N200 million be made to our client as general damages for all the pain, trauma, bodily inconveniences and public ridicule amongst others, caused her and her family during this period,” he said.
Olajengbesi, further stated that on behalf of the victim, he was also demanding the immediate prosecution of the officers involved in the criminal act, in the Nigeria Open Court.
He stated that security agents should discharge their duties during the lockdown in line with international best practices and in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by the United Nations.
Reacting to the development, the Force Public Relation Officer, Frank Mba told newsmen that the police had already dismissed the officers in question and would prosecute them if need be.
Mba also said that the police had yet to see the woman’s petition on the demand of N200 million compensation and an apology letter.
Recall that the Nigeria Police Force had on April 24 through its official twitter handle said: “that Inspector Ikuesan Taiwo and Police Constable Abass Ibrahim, captured in a viral video assaulting a woman in Osun State have been tried and found guilty.
”They have been dismissed from the Force. They will be arraigned in court for prosecution.”