The Nigeria Police Force has justified the use of leg restraints on a dismissed officer, Vincent Makinde, while refuting claims of unlawful detention raised by human rights lawyer Femi Falana.
Falana had accused the police of inhumane treatment and questioned the grounds for Makinde’s detention, calling for his release.
However, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Wednesday, defended the actions of the police and provided further details on Makinde’s case.
According to Adejobi, Makinde, a former Police Inspector, was dismissed in 2022 after an orderly room trial found him guilty of offences, including abuse of office, extortion, gross misconduct, dereliction of duty, and insubordination.
“The police hereby clarify that contrary to the erroneous narrative, Vincent Makinde was dismissed as a Police Inspector from the Nigeria Police Force in 2022 following a thorough investigation and orderly room trial due to several serious offences,” the statement read.
Adejobi further revealed that after his dismissal, Makinde assaulted a senior officer and escaped from custody while awaiting the validation of the trial’s proceedings and subsequent prosecution.
The statement noted that Makinde resurfaced in June 2024, impersonating an officer with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police. He was arrested while carrying a rifle and posing as an active-duty police officer.
“When approached by police operatives, Vincent Makinde exhibited violent and aggressive behaviour, resisting lawful arrest and detention,” Adejobi explained.
Due to his violent resistance and history of escaping custody, Makinde was restrained with leg restraints to ensure the safety of officers and prevent another escape attempt.
