Ambode seeks redeployment of Police officers over unauthorised raids

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has requested redeployment of some police officers attached to the state’s Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences Unit for arresting innocent citizens.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, said in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday that the governor had sent the request to the state commissioner of police.

Ayorinde said Gov. Ambode asked for the redeployment following raids carried out in different parts of the state by officers of the taskforce on Friday.

“The governor has sought an immediate redeployment of several of the taskforce officers from the unit, and possibly from the state, over what the he calls unacceptable conduct.

“The request became necessary in order to checkmate the reoccurrence of the unauthorised raid and indiscriminate arrest of citizens who were out to have fun on Friday night,” he said.

Ayorinde said preliminary investigation showed that the raid was carried out with the knowledge of a high-ranking member of the task force, but without the approval of its chairman.

He noted that such conduct was not in tandem with the vision of the State Government and was therefore condemnable.

“Their conduct is also unbecoming of officers who are expected to protect the citizenry and ensure that citizens and visitors find every part of the state safe and conducive enough, not only on Friday nights, but every day,” he said.

Ayorinde, who apologised on behalf of the government, said the state would not condone acts of high-handedness, extortion and disregard for human rights.

S-Davies Wande