Police counter Femi Falana over dismissed officer detained in cell since November 11

Police counter Femi Falana over dismissed officer detained in cell since November 11

The Nigeria Police Force has shared its side of the story over a viral video of a purported Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Vincent Makinde, who was leg-chained while in detention in Abuja.

A video clip capturing the suspect in chains has gone viral, triggering anger from the general public.

Veteran human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, on Monday called for the immediate and unconditional release of the suspect from police custody.

According to Falana, Vincent, who has been detained at Asokoro Police Station, Abuja, since November 11, is a serving police officer at the FED OPS Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

However, the NPF, in a statement issued on social media on Wednesday, December 18, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said Vincent was dismissed in 2022.

READ ALSO:

• FULL TEXT: Tinubu’s speech at 2025 budget presentation to joint National Assembly
• Fake visa agent, Atolagbe, arraigned for N9.8m student scam
• Russia detains Uzbek man over general’s killing in Moscow

Adejobi said the suspect was dismissed following a thorough investigation and orderly room trial over several serious offences such as “abuse of office, extortion, gross misconduct, dereliction of duty and insubordination, among others.”

He explained that while awaiting the validation of the orderly room proceedings and subsequent prosecution, the suspect assaulted a senior police officer on duty and subsequently escaped from custody, leading to his re-arrest.

“Around June 2024, he resurfaced, parading himself as a bona fide member of the Nigeria Police Force, adorning the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police without being previously absolved of his offences or promoted.

“Being made aware of this, the police authority issued a directive for his immediate re-arrest.

“The suspect was apprehended while impersonating himself as an active, sworn senior police officer and armed with a rifle. When approached by police operatives, Vincent Makinde exhibited violent and aggressive behaviour while resisting lawful arrest and detention.

“Upon his arrest, the suspect was restrained using feet restraining devices due to his continuous violent nature, coupled with the fact that he had previously escaped from lawful custody in a violent manner.

READ ALSO:

• Heavy security presence in NASS as Tinubu presents 2025 budget today
• Owa-Obokun: Court stops Adeleke from appointing monarch from Haastrup family
• Gaza ceasefire talks in final stage, Palestinian negotiator tells BBC

“The officers deemed it necessary to employ the use of these restraints as a precaution to ensure the safety of the officers on duty, prevent another escape, and secure against any potential harm to him and others around him that might arise from his aggressive demeanour.

 

“It is pertinent to note that the use of restraining devices is a global practice for individuals actively, aggressively, or aggravatedly resisting lawful detention.”

 

Vincent Makinde remains a dismissed police officer, serial criminal, and is currently in custody awaiting conclusion of investigations and prosecution. Further investigations have revealed his involvement in several other nefarious acts in addition to those which led to his earlier dismissal. Intensive investigation into the circumstances of his current impersonation offence is also ongoing.

The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to fostering transparency and accountability within its operations, striving to maintain the public’s trust and confidence. Through thorough investigations and strict protocols, the Force is steadfast in the pursuit of truth and justice, while ensuring that its personnel who violate the law are held accountable for their actions. This commitment is evident as the Nigeria Police Force continues to work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and reinforce the integrity of policing.

Police counter Femi Falana over dismissed officer detained in cell since November 11