The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the conduct of some officers captured in a viral video attempting to forcibly remove a motorist’s AI glasses during a stop-and-search operation and further assaulting him.
In a statement released on Friday night, the police confirmed that the officers involved had been identified as personnel attached to the Lagos State Police Command.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Lagos Command has taken swift action to ensure the errant officers face appropriate disciplinary measures.
He also ordered the restructuring of the squad involved in the incident.
The Force reassured the public that the misconduct does not reflect the professional standards expected of its personnel.
The statement read, "We strongly condemn the actions of some officers captured in a viral video attempting to forcibly remove a pair of glasses from a motorist during a stop-and-search operation, and further assaulting him. The officers involved have been identified as personnel attached to the Lagos State Police Command.
"The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Lagos State Command has been contacted and has swiftly acted appropriately to ensure that the officers face commensurate disciplinary actions. He has equally ordered for the restructuring of the squad involved.
"The Nigeria Police Force assures the public that this isolated incident does not represent the standards of professionalism expected of police personnel. The Force leadership stands on its commitment to identifying and sanctioning the very few errant officers whose actions embarrass dedicated, hardworking and responsible personnel of the Force," the statement added.
SaharaReporters previously reported that a disturbing video circulating on social media shows a policeman assaulting a motorist for wearing AI-powered glasses at a checkpoint.
While SaharaReporters could not immediately verify the exact time and location of the incident, the footage posted on Facebook by Objectv Media on Friday, shows the officer questioning the driver about the glasses before slapping him and attempting to forcibly remove them from his face.
In the video, the driver is heard saying, "Can't I wear glasses again? These are my glasses, I bought it, can't I wear it?"
Despite producing his vehicle documents and driver's licence, the policeman continued to harass him.
In the video, the policeman is heard demanding, "Why do you put us on camera?" before striking the driver.
The motorist protested loudly, shouting, "Why are you hitting me? What have I done wrong? Why are you struggling to take my glass?"
In turn, the policeman interrogated the driver, "Why are you putting on these glasses to record policemen?"
The driver responded, "Can't I wear my glasses again? Don't touch my glasses again. Don't I have the right to wear my glasses? How are my glasses a problem to you or police work?"
The incident has raised serious concerns about police brutality and underscored the need for officers to respect citizens’ rights.
In October 2020, Nigerians took to the streets to protest police violence. The nationwide protest tagged #EndSARS, highlighted widespread abuses by a police unit notorious for brutality and extrajudicial killings known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The movement led to the disbandment of SARS, but many argue that little has changed, with police brutality and impunity persisting.
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