Four policemen have been arrested in Lagos for mounting an illegal checkpoint at the Mile 2 end of the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and conducting unapproved stop-and-search.

It was gathered that during the exercise, a tanker ran over a businessman, Mr. Henry Dimoji.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Dimoji, who was returning with his wife, Linda, from a public function, had been asked by the police to stop for a search when the incident occurred.

It was gathered that 48-year-old Dimoji, who hailed from Imo State, and his wife were returning from a wake keep in the FESTAC Town area in a Honda car.

Our correspondent gathered that the policemen, reportedly attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Ikeja, had allegedly refused to allow Dimoji to park properly by the roadside, insisting that he came down to open his booth for the search.

It was learnt that an oncoming tanker, said to be carrying diesel, hit the businessman and dragged him on the road. The policemen were said to have avoided the tanker.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Linda had called on the officers and passersby for help, but the officers allegedly fled the scene.

It was gathered that the matter, which occurred at about 7.30pm last Thursday, April 30, was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, while the policemen had been arrested.

Our correspondent learnt that the truck driver and his conductor had also been arrested by the police.

It was further learnt that the SCID was still searching for two policemen, who were also with the patrol team during the incident.

When PUNCH Metro visited the deceased’s residence on Okey Dimoji Drive in the Anthony Village area of Lagos, a relative, who identified himself simply as Frank, said Dimoji’s death was shocking to the family.

He said, “When Dimoji got to the checkpoint, the policemen asked him to park and open his booth, but they did not allow him to park properly. He told them to allow him to park when one of them brought out a gun and threatened to shoot if Dimoji disobeyed.

“He then came out of the car to talk to the officers. Hardly had he come down when the trailer approached. The trailer driver, who was probably aware of the illegal checkpoint, tried to speed past the policemen. In the process, the trailer hit Dimoji in the thigh and dragged on the road for a few metres.

“When the policemen saw this, they entered their van and fled. The wife started screaming and calling for help. It was even the trailer driver and the conductor who stopped and assisted to rush him to a hospital.

“We have been to the SCID, and the police boss assured us that justice would be done on the matter. I saw the policemen that mounted the illegal checkpoint. They do not deserve to be in the Nigeria Police Force.”

A friend of the deceased, who identified himself simply as Sola, told our correspondent that Dimoji still called him on Thursday to plan a media event.

“He was a very industrious man. He had huge investments in Courier services, Telecommunications, Designs and media relations. The police should fish out all the culprits and bring them to book,” he said.

Our correspondent observed a condolence register opened for the businessman, and a number of sympathisers who also visited the house.

The deceased’s wife was unavailable for comment as of the time of visit.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident, adding that investigations were ongoing on the matter.

He said, “What the police are investigating is a case of a fatal accident, and the culpability of the officers in the incident. Two officers are in custody over the matter, and investigations are ongoing.”

http://www.punchng.com/metro-plus/businessman-crushed-to-death-during-police-stop-and-search/

Cc lalasticlala

These people want to rake in as much as possible before May 29 when it shall be more difficult to extort Nigerians and their desperation has now made someone a widow, some people became orphans and many friends, relatives, co-workers and others will have their own share of problems they did not create.








Is it a curse that Policemen must extort?

police is ur friend


in life and death

dre11:
These people want to rake in as much as possible before May 29 when it shall be more difficult to extort Nigerians and their desperation has now made someone a widow, some people became orphans and many friends, relatives, co-workers and others will have their own share of problems they did not create.








Is it a curse that Policemen must extort?

What pains me most is that they'll want to die the case since the culprits are their colleagues.

when police who supposed to be your friend decided to be your enemy......






why pointing the gun to a harmless individual and if its armed robbers now.... they will all run for cover

Extortion to police is a way of life..

Very wicked set of people.. I pity this late man and his wife. They fell for police wickedness.

See as the fine young man die due to the greed of four yeye Police men.

These police do more harm than good.

So sad. These police men that misbehave sef

So sad. Later they say Police is your friend

It was an accident... Don't blame the police, if they had found bombs in his boot we would have applauded them...

An American police would stop a black american citizen, shoot him,then place a gun beside him saying it was in self defence.


The Nigerian police is ur friend, no matter what you think, without them our society would be a worse place to live in....you will never know till they save ur asss.


I prefer the nigerian police...atleast sometimes with just N20 I can pass.

The Nigeria police force is the greatest mistake ever made by man. Useless people they rob us on a daily basis more than armed robbers and thiefs . It pains me dat the foolish IG cant even try his best to comb out d people who are spoiling the police force




Its only in nigeria sumone would be shot , and the police will arrest everybody they see even the people who helped d shot person to the hospital , and the lugbrious bastards will still tell u to pay #10,000 for bail.



Am dissapointed @ Gej
Am dissapointed @ IG of police.




Before any foolish policeman quotes me he should go and die den quote me from hell.



Rip to the dead

Human Life in 9ja??
Sad..
My heart goes to his family

Nigeria police force caused from creation

May his soul rest in peace! *sad*

g

He is in actual fact a victim of attempted robbery by the police.
Extorting money at illegal checkpoints is robbery!

[size=20pt] IT'S EASIER FOR A CARMEL TO PASS TRU THE EYE OF A NEEDLE, THAN FOR OUR NPF (NIG. POLICE FORCE) TO STOP ROAD BLOCKING,THAT STUFF BE LIKE THERE LIFE I SWEAR[/size]

We urge Buhari to restore confidence in our Police. For now, they only care of their roger

car is a necessity not luxury hv bn standing waitn for car since just today that I didn't drive ma car.

Precious life wasted.What a world!

I hope Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu woould see this case through and let the bublic know the outcome at the end of investigations and court case

The Police force needs total overhaul. May God give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

police is really our friend

Rather unfortunate!

God help us ooooo, dis our Naija police ........

Nigerian police and road block. Aba - Port Harcourt express way is their farm land. Particularly Imo Gate. Change by 29 May'15.

Those Policemen are to be blamed for this. May the man RIP though

so sad... RIP sir.

I guess it's time to start setting ablaze police checkpoints again

May his soul rest in peace.