March 15, 2026 — News
The Nigeria Police Force in Lagos State has apologised and returned a motorcycle that was earlier seized from a commercial rider in the Dopemu area following public outcry and pressure from activists and residents.
The development was confirmed by the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), which said the motorcycle belonging to Mr. Ibrahim Badamosi was released after sustained public protests and solidarity messages.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the organisation said the bike had been taken by police officers on Thursday, March 12, 2026, but was later returned after widespread criticism.
The statement was jointly signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Michael Adaramoye, popularly known as Lenin, and the National Secretary, Francis Nwapa.
According to the group, the Divisional Police Officer of the Dopemu Police Station, CSP Olaitan Adekunle, contacted the organisation’s leadership to apologise for the conduct of his officers and assured that the matter would be addressed.
The group said the officer also promised to improve relations between the police and young people in the community.
The YRC praised activists, residents, and members of the public whose intervention helped secure the release of the motorcycle.
According to the organisation, the incident highlights how collective pressure and public advocacy can help protect the rights of ordinary citizens.
However, the group warned that the situation reflects a broader concern over alleged harassment, intimidation, and extortion by some police officers across the state.
The organisation urged the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to take decisive steps to address such practices and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The YRC also commended the Inspector-General of Police for responding swiftly to the issue, while acknowledging the role played by CSP Olaitan Adekunle in ensuring the motorcycle was returned.
Background
The controversy began when the Youth Rights Campaign accused officers attached to a police station in Dopemu of harassment and extortion.
According to the group, Badamosi, who lives on Akinwunmi Street off Union Road in Dopemu, had returned home from work around 10 p.m. on March 12 and stepped out to buy food near his residence while preparing for his pre-dawn meal as a Muslim observing the fasting period.
The group alleged that he was arrested by police officers and taken to the station where he was detained overnight.
Although police later confirmed that he had committed no offence, the organisation claimed that an officer identified as Tanimowo Hammed allegedly intimidated the rider’s family and compelled them to pay ₦12,000 before he was released the following day.
The Youth Rights Campaign said the struggle for justice and protection of the rights of ordinary Nigerians must continue.
— SUNTV Global Channel Reporting
