Police Defend Use Of Leg Restraints On Officer Vincent Makinde, Reject Inhumane Treatment Claims

Abuja, Nigeria- The Nigeria Police Force has defended its use of leg restraints on Vincent Makinde, a dismissed officer, following his alleged escape from lawful custody.

The statement came in response to allegations of inhumane treatment raised by Nigerian human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who demanded Makinde’s release.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer at the Force Headquarters, addressed a viral video showing Makinde in leg restraints.

In the video, Makinde claimed to still be an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and alleged he was detained without cause.

“The use of leg restraints became necessary after his attempted escape from lawful custody,” the statement read. “The measure was implemented to ensure his secure custody and prevent further breaches of security.”

The police dismissed claims of inhumane treatment, emphasizing their adherence to due process. They stated that Makinde’s dismissal from the force followed established disciplinary procedures and that he remained in custody on account of other pending investigations.

Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, had earlier decried Makinde’s treatment, urging the police to uphold his fundamental rights.

However, the police clarified that the restraints were employed purely for security reasons and assured the public that Makinde’s case would be handled transparently.

The statement read, “The police hereby clarify that contrary to the erroneous narrative, Vincent Makinde was dismissed as a Police Inspector from the Nigeria Police Force in 2022 following a thorough investigation and orderly room trial due to several serious offences such as abuse of office, extortion, gross misconduct, dereliction of duty, and insubordination among others.

“While awaiting the validation of orderly room proceedings and subsequent prosecution, Vincent Makinde assaulted a senior police officer on duty and subsequently escaped from lawful custody.

Adejobi explained that around June 2024, he resurfaced, parading himself as a bona fide member of the Nigeria Police Force, adorning the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police without being previously absolved of his offences or promoted.

“Being made aware of this, the Police authority issued a directive for his immediate re-arrest.

“The suspect was apprehended while personating himself as an active sworn senior police officer, and armed with a rifle. When approached by police operatives, Vincent Makinde exhibited violent and aggressive behaviour while resisting lawful arrest and detention.

He said, “Upon his arrest, the suspect was restrained using feet restraining devices due to his continuous violent nature coupled with the fact that he had previously escaped from lawful custody in a violent manner.

According to Adejobi, the officers deemed it necessary to employ the use of these restraints as a precaution to ensure the safety of the officers on duty, prevent another escape, and secure against any potential harm to him and others around him, that might arise from his aggressive demeanour.

“It is pertinent to note that the use of restraining devices is a global practice for individuals actively, aggressively, or aggravatedly resisting lawful detention.

Adejobi noted that Vincent Makinde remains a dismissed police officer, serial criminal, and is currently in custody awaiting conclusion of investigations and prosecution.

“Further investigations have revealed his involvement in several other nefarious acts in addition to those which led to his earlier dismissal. Intensive investigation into the circumstances of his current impersonation offence is also ongoing.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to fostering transparency and accountability within its operations, striving to maintain the public’s trust and confidence.

He said through thorough investigations and strict protocols, the Force is steadfast in the pursuit of truth and justice, while ensuring that its personnel who violate the law are held accountable for their actions.

“This commitment is evident as the Nigeria Police Force continues to work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and reinforce the integrity of policing,” Adejobi added.