Policeman threatens to shoot The Nation reporter

 

                  A reporter with The Nation, Wale Ajetunmobi, yesterday escaped being shot by a trigger-happy policeman

Joseph Ogbede.

                             Ajetunmobi was driving on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway when he ran onto Ogbede around 4.48pm.

Ajetunmobi, and his colleague from Vanguard AdebayoDaniel, were returning to their offices in Ajetunmobi’s car after attending an event on Victoria Island, Lagos. On getting to Anthony Bus Stop, a police pickup van with two occupants, almost rammed into Ajetunmobi’s car from the rear.

Suddenly, the driver speed ahead of the reporter’s car, barking: “Stop that car… I said you should stop…” Then, the policeman brought out his rifle from the window to force the reporter to a halt.

In a commando-style, the policemen alighted from their van marked: “OP ATTACK” with number-plate PJ 977 KRD and asked the reporters to come down. The reporters demanded to know why and one of the policemen, identified as Joseph Ogbede, threatened to shoot them for asking questions.

The following conversation ensued:

Reporters: “Why did you stop us in that manner, officer? You almost caused an accident here. What is our offence?”

Ogbede: “Who are you to ask why policemen are stopping you on the road? Are you mad? I will shoot you if you people did not come down from your car now.”

After the reporters complied with the order, the policemen demanded to see the trunk and car papers. But, the reporters declined because the conversation was being done on the road.

Ogbede, in apparent anger, cocked his gun and threatened to shoot Ajetunmobi if he did not bring out his papers.

He said: “I will kill you and kill myself if you dare me.”

But the other policeman pleaded for calm. Ogbede said he would impound the vehicle and take it to the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, where he claimed to be serving.

The reporters told the policemen to lead. But, Ogbede’s colleague asked the reporters to go. The policemen created a scene as passers-by stood at safe distance to watch the drama.

The policemen left and headed to Oshodi where they engaged with another motorist.

Our reporter reported the incident to Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Kenneth Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), who promised to investigate it.