A routine patrol in the Igbo-Elerin area of Ojo, Lagos State, took a tragic turn when a Police Inspector lost his life during a confrontation with suspected naval ratings.
According to reports, the Inspector and four of his colleagues were on a routine patrol when they stopped a commercial motorcycle for a traffic violation.
The rider and his passenger, both dressed in civilian clothing, identified themselves as naval personnel and resisted arrest.
Eyewitnesses recounted that what began as a verbal altercation quickly escalated into a physical confrontation.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, stating that the confrontation occurred around 4:30 pm near Beno filling station.
He said the policemen attempted to impound the motorcycle for riding against traffic, prompting resistance from the two men in mufti.
“Other naval personnel in uniform arrived at the scene and supported their colleague in the attack. While one Inspector slumped and was unconscious, the naval officers, absconded from the scene.
“The inspector was rescued and was rushed to a hospital in the area, where he was confirmed dead. The body has been deposited at the Idi-Araba Mortuary, Yaba, for autopsy. Investigation is ongoing,” Hundeyin said.
He added that efforts are being made to apprehend those responsible for the Inspector’s death and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.