By Bashir Aliyu
The Lagos State Police Command has clarified that a man seen in a viral video being manhandled by police officers was arrested for alleged illegal possession of drugs, not for wearing dreadlocks as claimed in the footage.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, addressed the incident in a post on his X handle (@BenHundeyin) on Monday, describing the circulating narrative as false and misleading.
In the video, which sparked widespread reactions on social media, a voice alleged that the man was targeted for his dreadlocks and appearance, with claims that he was labeled a fraudster.
Hundeyin refuted these claims, stating, “The narrative is false, misleading, and malicious. The suspect was arrested at Bassey Street in the Egbeda area of Lagos State based on complaints from residents about the activities of young men abusing and selling drugs openly.”
He explained that the man was found in possession of hard drugs and resisted arrest, prompting officers to use minimal force to subdue him.
“The suspect, alongside others arrested, will be prosecuted accordingly,” Hundeyin added, emphasizing that the arrest was part of efforts to address drug-related crimes in the area.
The clarification comes amid growing public scrutiny of police conduct, with many calling for transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.
