Legal Updates

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, Strongly Condemns Police Brutalization of Olumide Sonupe; Calls for Urgent Investigation

Published

4 months ago

January 5, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, Strongly Condemns Police Brutalization of Olumide Sonupe; Calls for Urgent Investigation

In a vehement condemnation, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afam Osigwe expresses deep concern over the reported brutalization of Olumide Sonupe Esq at Moshalashi Police Station in Lagos. Osigwe decries the distressing incident where a lawyer seeking bail for his client was allegedly subjected to physical and verbal abuse, threats, and unjust detention.

The circumstances surrounding Sonupe’s detention, the alleged assault by police officers, and subsequent actions by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and Area Commander raise serious questions about the rule of law and the conduct of law enforcement officers, according to Osigwe.

He urges relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need to establish facts and hold those responsible for misconduct or abuse of power accountable.

Osigwe stresses that lawyers should be able to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment, asserting the importance of the legal profession in the administration of justice.

Summary of the Incident at Moshalashi Police Station:

Olumide Sonupe was reportedly detained by the police on December 30, 2023, while seeking bail for his client at Moshalashi Police Station in the Alimosho area of Lagos. The client, a carpenter, faced allegations of breach of contract.

The incident unfolded when a customer reported the carpenter to the police, claiming dissatisfaction with the chairs produced. Despite attempts to settle the matter amicably, police officers allegedly detained the carpenter, demanding an undertaking and N30,000 for bail.

Sonupe, in the process of negotiating bail, faced physical and verbal abuse from police officers, including threats and detention. His health reportedly deteriorated upon release on January 1, 2024, after spending two nights in the police cell with his client.

The lawyer’s brother confirmed the incident, stating that the appropriate branch of the Nigerian Bar Association had been notified and efforts were underway to seek justice.

Afam Osigwe, SAN, joins the call for justice and emphasizes the significance of addressing such incidents to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of the legal profession.