Officer Who Fired Shots in Ladipo Market Faces Police Trial in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has announced that a police officer, who was captured in a viral video firing shots into the air at the Ladipo Market area, will be subject to face trial.

This information was conveyed by the police command’s spokesperson, Ben Hundeyin, in a statement posted on X on Wednesday.

What led to the trial charge

On Tuesday, a video surfaced on social media showing a police officer celebrating with Lagos residents on a street as they rejoiced in response to the reopening of Ladipo Market.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu issued a directive to reopen Ladipo Market in the Mushin local government area after its closure due to environmental and safety concerns.

The residents celebrated the market’s reopening with great enthusiasm. In the video, a police officer, later identified as Inspector Istifanus Kwanchi, was captured firing shots into the air alongside the civilians, adding to the festive atmosphere.

How the police reacted to the situation 

In response to the video, the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Ben Hundeyin, stated that the police officer in the footage, Inspector Istifanus Kwanchi, who serves with the Mobile Police (MOPOL), has been taken for appropriate disciplinary measures. 

The Police Public Relations Officer further emphasized that such conduct, which he deemed unprofessional and unethical, would not be tolerated within the police force. He added that the Lagos Police would thoroughly investigate and hold accountable anyone found responsible for unprofessional behaviour.