A group of legal professionals, referred to as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Lawyers, have called upon the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate an alleged assault on one of their members, Mr. Ernest Okpaga, by officers at the National Cyber Crime Centre in Abuja. The incident, which took place on December 19, 2024, involved Okpaga being assaulted when he accompanied his client, Ms. Thomas Abiodun, to the center.
During a press conference at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, the group condemned the officers’ actions, describing them as unlawful, unprofessional, and unacceptable in a democratic society. They have submitted a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, urging for a thorough investigation and disciplinary measures against those responsible.
The group’s National Convener, Mrs. Abibat Bankole-Apena, shared details of the incident, highlighting how Okpaga was verbally assaulted, beaten, and confined in a room by the officers. Okpaga’s recommendation to take Abiodun to the police clinic for treatment was allegedly ignored, leading to the physical altercation.
Bankole-Apena emphasized that such behavior towards a legal practitioner providing professional services is in violation of constitutional and human rights principles, raising concerns about the treatment of ordinary citizens by law enforcement agencies. The group stands firm in their belief that the officers’ conduct was unjust and unprofessional, calling for accountability and justice in the matter.