4 guards arrested for denying police boss access to Magodo estate

There was a mild drama at the entrance of Magodo Estate on New Year’s day when some private security guards stationed at the entrance into the highbrow estate prevented the Lagos police boss, Hakeem Odumosu, access into the area. It was learnt that the guards stood their ground, insisting that Odumosu must first call the […]

There was a mild drama at the entrance of Magodo Estate on New Year’s day when some private security guards stationed at the entrance into the highbrow estate prevented the Lagos police boss, Hakeem Odumosu, access into the area.

It was learnt that the guards stood their ground, insisting that Odumosu must first call the person he was going to visit before he would be allowed into the estate.

An altercation erupted between the policemen on the convoy of the police commissioner and the guards.

Consequently, Odumosu was said to have ordered the arrest of four of the guards on duty while one was left behind to secure the gate.

But a female resident of the estate rushed out demanding the immediate release of the four arrested security men.

A witness said the lady was also arrested along with the guards.

The arrest of the security men later went viral on social media.

Reacting to the social media post, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the incident occurred at the entrance into Brooks Estate, Magodo, Isheri.

He said Odumosu, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police, was on his way to meet a strategic partner at a function after going round visiting some places in the state to ensure the safety of Lagosians.

He said the police boss was accompanied by his armed security details and was driven in his official car bearing an official number plate and a pennant, including all the paraphernalia of the office.

“On reaching the estate’s gate, he was properly introduced notwithstanding the visible security details in uniform including a dispatch rider in his convoy. Yet he was prevented from entering the estate by some overzealous private security guards.

“All appeals to the security men to allow the CP go to see someone at a function where an urgent matter bordering on security was to be discussed fell on deaf ears even when they had foreknowledge of his coming.

“After about 30 minute’s humiliation, Odumosu ordered the arrest of four of the security men, leaving one. However, in order not to make the estate porous, the Commissioner of Police immediately posted well-armed policemen at the gate to support the security man left behind.

“A few minutes later, a female resident of the estate later identified as Adebola Fatiregun, who didn’t witness the incident but heard of it, stormed the gate in anger, inciting other residents against the commissioner of police and his aides. She was also arrested for inciting violence and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

“All those arrested were taken to the Isheri Police Division where they made statements. They were subsequently released a few minutes after, following intervention of notable individuals,” he added.