“Barbaric And Unlawful” — NBA Epe Branch Alleges Police Shot Two Riders During Illegal Motorcycle Seizure, Demands Compensation For Ibeju-Lekki Victims

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Epe Branch, has strongly condemned the reported extra-judicial killing of two commercial motorcyclists and the serious injury of another by police officers in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.

In a statement signed by the Branch Chairman, S.O. Jimoh, and Vice Chairman & Human Rights Committee Chair, Ivo Takor, Mni, the NBA described the actions of officers attached to Elemoro Police Station as “barbaric, unlawful, and a gross violation of the sanctity of human life” guaranteed under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution.

The incident occurred on Thursday, 28th August 2025, at Onosa Junction, Ibeju-Lekki, when policemen allegedly unleashed unprovoked violence on innocent citizens. The killings sparked outrage in the community, prompting protests the following day. The situation was reportedly brought under control by soldiers deployed to the scene, whose professionalism and restraint were commended by the NBA.

Investigations by the NBA Epe Human Rights Committee revealed a pattern of criminality and abuse of power by officers from Elemoro Police Station, including arbitrary seizure of motorcycles from commercial riders. The impounded motorcycles are allegedly only released upon payment of illegal sums ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦300,000, a practice described as “systematic extortion and economic sabotage under the guise of law enforcement.”

The NBA Epe Branch also raised concerns over routine illegal roadblocks mounted by Elemoro officers along the expressway, obstructing traffic and extorting law-abiding motorists.

The association has made several demands:

1. Immediate investigation and prosecution of officers involved in the 28th August killings.
2. Establishment of an independent judicial panel of inquiry into the unlawful operations of Elemoro Police Station.
3. Dismantling of all illegal roadblocks within the station’s jurisdiction.
4. Directive from the Inspector General of Police to halt harassment, extortion, and abuse of power by officers.
5. Adequate compensation and support for the families of the deceased and the wounded.

The NBA Epe Branch assured the public that it would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion, deploying all legal resources necessary to ensure justice, protect victims’ rights, and hold culpable officers accountable.

“The Nigerian Bar Association will not stand idly by while agents of the state desecrate the Constitution, terrorize law-abiding citizens, and trample upon the rule of law with impunity. The time has come for accountability, and accountability there must be,” the statement concluded.

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