The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four persons over alleged assault and public humiliation of a resident accused of running a fake transfer, recording the incident and sharing same on the internet.
In a statement shared on X on Friday, the command said at about 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, one Boluwaji Temidayo reported at the Okuta Elerinla Police Station that he was assaulted by a group of persons who physically attacked him, recorded the incident without his consent and subsequently uploaded the video on various social media platforms.
According to the complainant, the incident occurred on Tuesday, July 21.
The statement reads, “Upon receipt of the complaint, police operatives immediately commenced a discreet and technology-driven forensic investigation into the viral video, deploying digital intelligence and other investigative resources to identify those involved in the alleged assault and unlawful dissemination of the footage.
“The investigation led to the identification and subsequent arrest of four suspects believed to have participated in the incident, played active roles in the recording and circulation of the video.”
The suspects were identified as Gbemisola Ariyo (female), Babatunde Eniola (female), Adams Tobiloba (male) and Fasusi Bunmi (female).
The command said it has commenced investigation into a case involving alleged conspiracy, assault occasioning harm and cyber bullying against the suspects.
The statement reads, “The suspects are currently in lawful police custody and have made useful confessional statements while investigations is ongoing towards the arrest of other accomplices connected with the incident. Upon conclusion of the investigation, all persons found culpable will be charged to court in accordance with the law.
“The Ondo State Police Command strongly condemns the growing and disturbing trend of members of the public taking the law into their own hands by assaulting, molesting, humiliating or publicly parading persons suspected of committing offences. Equally worrisome is the increasing practice of recording such incidents and sharing the videos on social media to ridicule, intimidate or incite public hatred against individuals.
“The Command wishes to remind the public that every person, whether accused or suspected of an offence, enjoys constitutional rights guaranteed under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A mere suspicion or allegation does not amount to guilt and no individual or group has the legal authority to subject another person to physical assault, public humiliation or any form of extrajudicial punishment.
“Citizens are therefore advised to refrain from engaging in acts of jungle justice or mob action under any circumstance. Members of the public should immediately report suspected offenders to the nearest Police Station instead of resorting to violence or self-help. Individuals are also cautioned against recording, publishing or circulating defamatory, misleading or malicious content capable of violating another person’s rights or obstructing ongoing investigations, as such actions may attract criminal liability under extant laws, including relevant provisions relating to cybercrime.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of the fundamental rights of every resident, the impartial enforcement of the law and the diligent prosecution of anyone who violates the rights and dignity of others.”
(The Sun)