Hoodlums release suspect from police custody

There was pandemonium at the Apata area of Somolu on Saturday when some hoodlums attacked a police patrol team and allegedly freed a notorious cultist, identified simply as Friday.

The five policemen attached to the Alade Police Division, were said to be on patrol of some streets in Somolu.

At Fadipe Street, a hemp peddler was said to have taken to his heels when he noticed the approaching patrol team. The peddler allegedly took refuge at a building on Olabiran Street.

A resident, who spoke with PUNCH Metro, on the condition of anonymity said, “The police rushed into the building in pursuit, but the peddler had already scaled the fence and left the compound.

“Instead, they found Friday, an alleged wanted criminal, in one of the rooms. One of the policemen recognised him and he was arrested. They cuffed him by the hand and leg to one of the seats in the commercial bus they brought.”

PUNCH Metro gathered that some people in the community immediately mobilised themselves when they saw Friday being taken away.

The cultists, numbering over 50 and armed with bottles, cutlasses and stones, allegedly waylaid the policemen.

A source said, “The boys were led by one Okanlawon. Other notorious cultists in the group were Yomi, Lateef, aka Fiber, Olumide aka Ogbor, Akin, aka Dudu and Yesiru.

The cultists threw bottles and stones at the policemen. Eventually the policemen abandoned the bus.”

The cultists reportedly removed the seat of the bus where Friday was cuffed to and took him to Sodimu Street where the cuff was sawed off. They were said to have later retreated to their hideout at Abule Oja.

Although police reinforcements were said to have later come in from Somolu and Bariga divisions, the cultists had already gone.

A resident, who pleaded anonymity, said, “The policemen then started arresting residents suspected to have aided the boys.  But the reality was that those involved had left.”

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ngozi Braide, said the cops exhibited professional restraint by leaving the area.

She said, “Some boys attacked our men and the policemen could have fired back. But the leader told them not to because the area was crowded.

“Really, the policemen exhibited professional restraint so that there would be no collateral damage. If they had responded, many innocent people could have been hurt.

“However, we have arrested some suspects and they are helping the police with the identities of those involved.”