The Lagos State Police Command has ordered the detention and trial of Inspector Adadu Innocent, for allegedly harassing and attacking a photojournalist working with The PUNCH, Olukayode Jaiyeola.
Adadu allegedly hit Jaiyeola while the photojournalist was covering an October 1st protest at Maryland, Lagos State.
The Journalist was rushed to the Police Clinic in Ikeja where his bloodied head was stitched.
He also had his camera seized by police officers at the scene.
The police command released a statement today by Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirming Adadu’s arrest, and apologizing to the news medium for the treatment of its officer on Jaiyeola.
The statement read in part, “The police chief, who was monitoring the deployment and operational activities of officers and men of the command for the enforcement of the order against unlawful gathering and protest by some unpatriotic individuals, raced to the scene and personally moved the injured journalist to the Police Cottage (hospital) at Area F, GRA, Ikeja, where he personally waited and ensured the injured journalist was given immediate and best medical treatment.
“The preliminary findings carried out by the Commissioner of Police and eyewitness accounts from senior officers on ground revealed that the cop suddenly attacked the journalist, without any previous altercation or confrontation.
“This propelled the Commissioner of Police to order for his trial in order to serve as a deterrent to others who are fond of engaging in unprofessional and unethical conduct.”
