The Ekiti State Police Command has dismissed allegations that officers of its Safer Highway Patrol attacked, robbed and threatened passengers with knives and cutlasses along Awo-Iropora Road, Igede-Ekiti, describing the claims as false and unfounded.
The Command also confirmed the arrest of some suspects allegedly involved in obstructing police officers and inciting public hostility through a video circulated on social media.
In a statement issued on Saturday, November 7, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, the Command said preliminary investigations established that no officer assaulted or robbed any passenger during the incident.
According to the police, the incident occurred at about 12 noon on Saturday when a Safer Highway Patrol Team 004, conducting routine stop-and-search operations, flagged down two Toyota Hiace buses and requested their vehicle documents.
Rather than produce the documents, four occupants allegedly began recording the officers, shouting at them and making allegations of theft and armed robbery. They also claimed that the officers were armed with knives and cutlasses.
The police identified one of the occupants as 32-year-old Seriki Sikirulahi, who allegedly uploaded the video on TikTok, triggering public reactions and what the Command described as misleading narratives against the officers.
The Command said its review of the video showed that the officers acted professionally and in accordance with established police procedures, adding that none was seen wielding a knife or cutlass, assaulting passengers or engaging in robbery.
While acknowledging citizens’ right to record public activities within the law, the police warned against using such rights to obstruct officers performing lawful duties, spread false information or incite hostility against the Force.
The statement added that the suspects had been arrested and were undergoing investigation in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Micheal Falade.
The Command urged members of the public to disregard the allegations, remain calm and cooperate with police officers carrying out legitimate security operations, assuring that its personnel would continue to discharge their duties professionally and respect the rights of citizens.
