We have been undressed, – Comedian Macaroni

… Arrest, humiliation that can lead to action —Ozekhome

By Henry Ojelu & Bose Adelaja, with agency reports

LAGOS comedian Debo Adebayo, better known as Mr Macaroni, yesterday criticized the police for the treatment he received and other protesters at the Lekki toll booth, claiming they had been stripped of their clothes.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command yesterday condemned the assault on some arrested #EndSARS protesters.

Macaroni and several others were arrested by police on Saturday for protesting the decision of the Lagos State Judicial Inquiry Commission to reopen the toll, which was symbolic of the #EndSARS protests last October. They were, however, released on bail.

In a video posted to his Twitter account, he said: “When we were picked up we were taken to Adeniji where we were beaten, we were stripped. Everyone has been beaten.

The comedian explained that he initially did not want to go for the demonstration because he had been warned by his family, but noted that he had changed his mind because people will be at the toll booth.

He claimed his phone was also destroyed after being pulled over by law enforcement officers.

He said: “The only reason I went there was because I knew people would be there and in good conscience I don’t know.

“But I knew people would die and I saw it, and I can confirm that if the words didn’t come out people would have died because no one would have known where someone was or who had picked up who. .

Arrest, humiliation that can lead to action – Ozekhome

Also reacting, Mr Marcaroni’s lawyer Mike Ozekhome said the arrest and humiliation of protesters over the weekend is subject to prosecution.

He noted, however, that he had not been informed by his client to prosecute the police.

Ozekhome said: “The arrest of my client, Mr Marcaroni and many other protesters at the Lekki tollgate this weekend is illegal and liable to prosecution. My client has not informed me if he wished to sue the police, but I do know that his unlawful arrest violates his constitutionally guaranteed right.

Lagos CP investigates humiliation of arrested protesters

Meanwhile, Lagos State Police Commissioner CP Hakeem Odumosu, who was stung by the unprofessional and inhumane act, ordered Deputy Police Commissioner, CID State, Panti, DCP Adegoke Fayoade, to ‘analyze the video and bring to the book anyone who must have been responsible for the act.

A video circulated on social media showing the assault of some protesters arrested on a bus after their arrest at Lekki Tollgate Admiralty Plaza.

Odumosu said that as long as the command is committed to enforcing all state laws, it will not deviate from Nigerian police standard operating procedure and the provisions of law in carrying out their duties.

He vowed to fish those responsible for the assault and ensure that they are punished for their unprofessional conduct.

Vanguard News Nigeria

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