Police justify use of leg restraints on dismissed officer, deny unlawful detention

The Nigeria Police Force has defended its use of leg restraints on Vincent Makinde, a dismissed officer, following allegations of inhumane treatment and unlawful detention.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) had previously called for Makinde’s release, claiming that his detention violated his rights and questioning the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

In response, the police issued a statement on Wednesday through Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, who clarified that Makinde had been dismissed in 2022 after a comprehensive orderly room trial.

Adejobi explained that Makinde, a former Police Inspector, was found guilty of several serious offenses, including abuse of office, extortion, gross misconduct, 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, such as abuse of office, extortion, gross misconduct, dereliction of duty, and insubordination, among others,” Adejobi stated.

He went on to explain that while awaiting further legal proceedings, Makinde assaulted a senior police officer and managed to escape from lawful custody.

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“While awaiting the validation of the orderly room proceedings and subsequent prosecution, Vincent Makinde assaulted a senior police officer on duty and subsequently escaped from lawful custody,” Adejobi said.

Makinde resurfaced in June 2024, pretending to be an active member of the police force and wearing the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police, despite not having been absolved of his previous offenses or promoted.

“Upon discovering this, the Police authority issued a directive for his immediate re-arrest. The suspect was apprehended while impersonating an active, sworn senior police officer and carrying a rifle. When approached by police operatives, Vincent Makinde exhibited violent and aggressive behaviour, resisting lawful arrest and detention,” Adejobi continued.

Due to his violent resistance and history of escaping custody, the police deemed it necessary to restrain Makinde using leg shackles to ensure the safety of officers and prevent another escape attempt.

“Due to his continuous violent conduct and his prior escape from lawful custody, the suspect was restrained using foot restraining devices,” Adejobi explained. He further asserted that the use of restraints was in line with global best practices and safety protocols, aiming to protect both law enforcement officers and the public.

The police’s justification emphasizes that their actions were both lawful and necessary to maintain order and ensure the security of the officers involved.

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