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The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed claims circulating on social media that three men seen in a viral video were kidnappers, confirming that investigations revealed the allegations were false.
Recall that the command had responded to the viral video that the three kidnappers were caught in Victory Estate Ago Palace, stating that an investigation was underway to determine the facts, locate the individuals involved, and take appropriate action.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Wednesday, the police clarified that the incident was a misunderstanding that escalated into a violent confrontation.
He wrote, “In response to a viral video wherein some yet-to-be-identified persons around Victory Estate, Ago Okota are seen beating and humiliating three young men for being suspected kidnappers, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, today Wednesday, February 19, 2025 held a fact-finding meeting with the Chairman, Chief Security Officer, two other residents of Victory Estate and one of the men alleged in the video.
“After an extensive interview, it has been undisputedly proven that the three men in the video are not kidnappers and there was no kidnapping incident at the Estate.”
Hundeyin added that the estate chairman, chief security officer, and other security officials have also verified that the three men were not kidnappers, and therefore concluded that the video is false.
The PPRO wrote, “The Chairman of the Estate Association told the CP that the people are not kidnappers, so also the Chief Security Officer and another Security Committee member equally told the CP that the three (3) men are not kidnappers and that there was no kidnapping incident at the Estate as seen falsely spread in the social media.
“It is concluded that the video is false, misleading and malicious to cause fear and apprehension in the Estate.”
According to police findings, the three individuals had visited a friend in the estate around 10 p.m. on February 17 when a dispute with a tricycle rider led to confusion.
“An altercation between the three (3) men and a tricycle rider degenerated into pandemonium and confusion in the Estate at that time,” the statement revealed.
In the statement, the command urged Lagosians to be cautious and verify news items before sharing them “to avoid spreading panic and fear in the minds of the people which can cause a threat to peace or which can lead to loss of life. People are implored not take laws into their hands.”
