June 1, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
The Take It Back (TIB) Movement has accused officers of the Nigeria Police Force at Area P Command, Lagos State, of unlawfully detaining a West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) candidate and his father over an alleged theft case, despite claims that no evidence links them to the crime.
According to the movement, the father, a painter, and his son were hired to paint a residential building and had successfully completed the job before leaving the premises. Days later, unknown individuals allegedly broke into the property and stole electrical wires.
Rather than conducting a thorough investigation to identify the actual culprits, police officers reportedly arrested the painter, his son, and several other individuals in connection with the incident.
In a statement released on Monday, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, popularly known as Scotty Aluta, condemned the arrests, describing them as a disturbing abuse of power and a violation of the rights of innocent citizens.
He revealed that more than three days after their arrest, investigators had reportedly failed to present any credible evidence linking the detainees to the alleged theft.
The movement further disclosed that it contacted the Area Commander and appealed for a professional and evidence-based investigation to prevent innocent people from being wrongfully prosecuted.
Adding to the controversy, the group alleged that a functional CCTV camera exists within the compound where the theft occurred, but claimed that the property owner has refused to provide the footage, which could help identify the real perpetrators.
Even more alarming, the movement alleged that the suspects were being pressured to pay ₦2.5 million or risk being charged to court for an offence that has not been proven against them.
“If true, such actions amount to an abuse of police powers and a gross violation of justice and due process,” the group stated.
Particular concern has been raised over the continued detention of the young student, who is currently participating in the ongoing WAEC examinations.
Rights advocates argue that keeping a WAEC candidate in custody during a critical examination period, without clear evidence of wrongdoing, could jeopardize his academic future and violate his fundamental rights.
The Take It Back Movement has called on the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene, ensure a transparent investigation, and immediately release any suspect against whom there is no credible evidence.
The group emphasized that criminal investigations must be guided by facts, evidence, and the rule of law, rather than intimidation, suspicion, or financial coercion.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Source: Sahara Reporters Reported by: SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
