*Mob beats up police officer, accuses him of stealing
The Lagos State Police Command has shut down an illegal pharmaceutical factory in the Ojo–Ijanikin area of Lagos State, arrest the security guard.
Large quantities of suspected fake and harmful drugs were being produced in the factory.
The Lagos State Police Command is hunting for the owner of the building simply identified as Ebuka.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Olohundare Jimoh, said a major source of counterfeit medicines posing serious risks to public health was dismantled.
The illicit operation, discovered on the top floor of a multi-storey building, housed machines allegedly used to manufacture fake drugs and alter expiry dates on expired products.
CP Jimoh said the operation followed actionable intelligence from divisional police officers in the area, adding that officers were searching for a key suspect, described as ‘one developer,’ believed to be the financier or main facilitator of the factory.
The CP said the command will work with relevant regulatory agencies to prosecute those involved and extend investigations to all linked locations.
“Section 57 (Seizure), empowers officers to seize drugs, medicines, poisons, and others found illegally.
The Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, specifically Section 9, establishes the Nigeria Police Force Squad and empowers them to investigate fake drugs. This section allows the police to assist the Federal Task Force in enforcing the Act, arrest suspects, and conduct investigations.”
He urged residents to verify the authenticity of medicines they purchase, assuring the public that information shared with the police will remain confidential.
MEANWHILE, mob yesterday beat up a police officer in Oshodi area of Lagos. He was seen begin for forgiveness while people were heard shouting ‘ole’(thief).
Responding to the video, Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Lagos State Police Command, Abibola Adebisi, said the narration accompanying the video is false and misleading and that the Inspector in question is an officer attached to the Lagos State Taskforce.
The PPRO said the official was on duty enforcing the State Government’s ban on wrong parking along Brown Street, Oshodi. In the course of his duty, he stopped a motorist who attempted to park wrongly and the motorist became violent, resulting in a heated confrontation.
She added that during the incident, the Inspector accidentally discharged shots onto the road, and debris from the impact affected some passersby and the mob immediately gathered, during which the Inspector was violently attacked and sustained serious injuries.
The Inspector has been subjected to disciplinary actions while 13 suspects captured in the viral video assaulting the officer have been arrested and will be prosecuted upon the completion of investigations.
