Public anger erupted on Saturday after a video circulating widely online appeared to show police officers assaulting a young man in Ijagba, Ota, Ogun State, reportedly over his wearing of camouflage shorts.
Video prompts confrontation in Ota community
The footage, initially uploaded to TikTok by HairbyArik and later shared on X by @Godsboy441, showed the man lying on the ground in handcuffs while resisting attempts by officers to place him in a commercial minibus.
His calls for assistance drew local residents to the scene, where they challenged the officers’ treatment of him. A woman heard in the recording asked, “Who are the thieves between you and these young men? Look at how they are beating someone’s child.” Another person called out: “Everybody, please help me!”
- The officers were accused of targeting the man because he wore camouflage clothing, which civilians are barred from using.
- Residents opposed the detention, describing the officers’ conduct as abusive and excessive.
- The video attracted more than 8,900 likes on TikTok.
As the crowd grew, residents demanded that the handcuffs be removed. Following several minutes of heated exchanges, the officers withdrew from the area and left without taking the young man away, prompting cheers from those gathered.
The woman who filmed the incident also said the officers threatened to detain her for recording them.
Ogun police say officers have been apprehended
On Sunday, the Ogun State Police Command said it had identified and apprehended the officers linked to the incident.
DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the police public relations officer, said Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni had directed that immediate measures be taken under the force’s established procedures.
“The officers involved have been identified, and the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, has ordered immediate action in line with established procedures,” Babaseyi said.
Command pledges accountability
Babaseyi said the command remained focused on accountability, professional discipline and maintaining high policing standards, adding that further information would be released as the matter develops.
In a separate update, he said: “The 4 officers are enroute to the Headquarters.”
The incident occurred only days before the sixth anniversary of the #EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality, which are marked on October 20.
