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Nigeria Police have said Vincent Makinde, whose viral video attracted criticism for the force, was chained for violence in detention.
The Force Headquarters Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated this following demand by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, that the suspect be unchained.
Adejobi alleged that Vincent Makinde was dismissed from the police in 2022. He alleged that he was arrested in June 2024 for impersonation.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Police Spokesman said the suspect had run away from detention before he was rearrested.
“The Nigeria Police Force is aware of a viral video of one Vincent Makinde in leg restraint claiming he is an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) detained without cause, and a subsequent demand of his release by the renowned legal luminary and Human Rights Activist, Mr. Femi Falana, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
“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.
“While awaiting the validation of orderly room proceedings and subsequent prosecution, Vincent Makinde assaulted a senior police officer on duty and subsequently escaped from lawful custody,” he said.
The Police spokesman explained officers on duty would be at risk of attack from Makinde if he were not leg chained. He stated that the decision was in line with global best practices.
“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 personating 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.
“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,” he stated.
Adejobi further accused Makinde of engaging in nefarious activities. He added that Nigeria Police was committed to the pursuit of truth and ensuring justice.
“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,” Adejobi added.
