By Chigozie Daniel
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has drawn a firm line between policing and judicial authority, insisting that once a matter enters the courtroom, it exits the operational control of the police.
Speaking against the backdrop of a viral social media controversy, the police boss disclosed that upon learning of the incident, he immediately directed his Public Relations Officer to establish contact with the individual behind Object TV, even as he maintained that due engagement remains open.
Jimoh revealed that family members of the suspect, his wife and brother, visited his office demanding police intervention, but he made it clear that the police cannot override court processes once a suspect has been arraigned.
According to him, the suspect was promptly charged to court the same day of arrest, where bail was granted. However, failure to meet bail conditions resulted in continued custody, a situation he stressed is entirely within judicial discretion.
The CP was emphatic that he would not interfere with the sanctity of the court, noting that “the police action terminates where judicial processes begin,” adding that grievances must be channeled through legal representation before the court.
Dismissing allegations of human rights violations, Jimoh stated that no evidence exists showing the suspect was assaulted or maltreated, insisting that police conduct in the matter remained within the bounds of the law.
He reiterated that law enforcement must be guided strictly by legal provisions, stressing that no act constitutes an offence unless expressly defined by law, and procedures must be followed accordingly.
Amid rising public scrutiny, Jimoh disclosed that he has commenced fresh training and reorientation for task force personnel, aimed at addressing complaints and reinforcing professionalism.
While defending the unit’s operations as largely compliant, he warned that any verified misconduct would attract severe sanctions, including possible dissolution and restructuring of the entire task force.
He further assured that erring officers would not be shielded, noting that disciplinary measures, including prosecution, remain on the table where violations are established.
Providing insight into modern policing tactics, the CP justified the use of unmarked vehicles and covert operations, describing them as critical tools in outsmarting criminal elements who often evade conventional patrol systems.
He explained that while marked vehicles serve as visible deterrents, undercover operations enable officers to detect and intercept crimes in real time, particularly in traffic-related and urban crime scenarios.
Jimoh added that such strategies have contributed significantly to reducing traffic-related infractions and improving response to opportunistic crimes across Lagos.
In a direct appeal to the public, the police chief urged Lagos residents to resist the urge to vilify law enforcement, instead advocating constructive engagement and collaboration.
He highlighted ongoing police-youth dialogues and partnerships with civil society organisations as part of efforts to bridge trust gaps and enhance community policing.
While acknowledging that enforcement often attracts resistance, Jimoh maintained that order and safety in a megacity like Lagos require collective responsibility and adherence to the rule of law.
Reaffirming his openness, he invited aggrieved individuals, including the Object TV publisher, to engage with the command, stressing that the police remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of all citizens.