Shocking Allegations: Lagos Police Officers Detain Minors for Days at the Behest of Neighbors

LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a disturbing turn of events, allegations have emerged regarding officers from the Oke-Odo division of the Lagos police force who purportedly arrested and detained two underage children—aged 5 and 10—for over three days. The shocking claims have sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the integrity of law enforcement practices in the region.

According to a formal petition submitted to the Lagos Commissioner of Police, police officers Ogunbiyi Funminiyi, along with an unnamed female colleague, executed the arrest at the behest of a local resident, Mr. Odun. Human rights advocates and community members are calling for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the children's detention.

The petition alleges that the children were taken into custody as leverage against their father, with the complainant intending to retaliate against him for unspecified grievances. “After failing to locate our client, Mr. Odun sought out the police to arrest the children, who committed no crimes whatsoever,” the petition states.

An unnamed source in the neighborhood reported that the children had entered Mr. Odun’s home, leading him to involve the police and seek their arrest. Efforts by the children’s family to secure their release have thus far been unsuccessful. Reports indicate that the minors have not only been deprived of their freedom but have also been unable to attend school during their detention.

“This is a grave violation of the children’s fundamental human rights,” the petition highlights. “It is illegal to detain minors for crimes not committed by them, especially as a tactic to apprehend an adult.” Attaching allegations of corruption, sources contend that Mr. Odun provided both payment and specific instructions to the officers to maintain the children’s unlawful detention until the arrest of their father.

The news of this incident has ignited significant concern among human rights organizations and child advocacy groups, who argue that the situation exemplifies a broader issue of misuse of police authority and the failure to uphold legal protections for vulnerable populations, particularly minors.

Calls for action have surged across various platforms, with citizens demanding accountability for the police involved and urging a reassessment of protocols concerning the treatment of minors in custody. As of now, the children remain in detention, and their family eagerly awaits intervention from authorities.

In an era where justice and human rights are increasingly under scrutiny, this case serves as a harsh reminder of the critical need for reforms within law enforcement agencies to ensure that the rights of the most vulnerable members of society are protected.

The Lagos Commissioner of Police has yet to comment officially on the allegations, but community leaders hope that urgent measures will be taken to safeguard the wellbeing of the detained children and address the issues raised in the petition.

As the situation continues to unfold, many are left questioning: How could such an egregious violation of rights occur in a city that prides itself on progress and justice? The community is looking for answers and demanding immediate action against those responsible for this distressing incident.