Yomi Fabiyi, a highly acclaimed actor, has responded to a viral video capturing a distressing incident involving police officers engaged in a physical altercation with an Okada rider.
The video, which has generated significant attention and controversy, depicts a disturbing incident that has sparked a division of public opinion.
In the video, three policemen can be seen in the viral footage subjecting the Okada rider, identified as Al-Hassan Usman, to brutal treatment in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State.
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One of the policemen is observed striking the man with his baton, while another aggressively pushes him away repeatedly.
During the altercation, the man, in an attempt to retain possession of his bike, sustains a severe injury as blood gushes from his forehead.
Meanwhile, the third policeman rides off on the victim’s bike, while the other two hastily depart the scene in a tricycle.
In his social media post, Yomi Fabiyi expressed his support for the actions of the police officers involved in the incident, stating that they were justified in their response.
He wrote, ” THE POLICE ARE RIGHT IN THIS VIDEO:
Please let us know our RIGHTS under the law when placed under arrest or when our properties are to be taken in by law enforcement. Resisting arrest is criminal and punishable under the law especially when you try to injure or assault the officers. In this video, he tried obstruct and stop the police from lawfully taking the okada/keke into custody for maybe traffic offence or so.
By dragging with them, the law allow some degree of force from Police in instances like this to effect this seizure or arrest. Police are human too and must protect their lives, if he dragged the bike while the officer was on it, it could lead to head injury and permanent paralysis or death. This is it, he didn’t carry any weapon, he only used his hands and strength, the Police casually appeal he allow them do their work but he is fighting back, therefore the use of baton/stick is appropriate. If he use any harmful weapon like cutlass, knife or gun, the Police reserves the right under rules of engagement to open fire. END SARS doesn’t mean attack or try to kill police offers on lawful or unlawful duty. DO NOT TAKE LAWS INTO YOUR HANDS.
The right thing to do is let them take it or arrest you and go fight back through their superiors or court of law. If you don’t know your rights, you can’t defend it. I empathize with the fellow. The injury can be seen as punishment and he gets some lighter or zero punishment afterwards.
More reason we ask everyone to key into human rights advocacy and enforcement so any form of illegality would be discouraged from happening by anybody including police at all times. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS NIGERIA. IN THIS VIDEO, THE POLICE ARE RIGHT. I feel for the poor guy too though. My humble contribution.
Yomi Fabiyi
Convener, Break The Silence Foundation( Registered Human Rights NGO).