Lagos Police Officers Accused of Brutality: Comedian Makanju, Lawyer Assaulted at Sangotedo Checkpoint

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Comedian Recounts Harrowing Experience

Content creator and comedian Makanju, known on Instagram as @_makanjuolaa, has accused officers of the Lagos State Police Command of assault, extortion, and threats to life at a checkpoint in the Sangotedo area of Lekki-Ajah.

In a disturbing account shared on Sunday, 24th August 2025, Makanju alleged that he and his cameraman were brutalised by policemen on two consecutive nights—Saturday and Sunday—despite committing no offence.

He recounted that the ordeal began late Saturday night while returning from ShopRite, Sangotedo, where they had gone for a haircut.

“It Felt Like a Planned Attack” – Makanju

According to Makanju, at about midnight, their vehicle was stopped at a police checkpoint. Rather than conducting a lawful search, the officers allegedly launched into physical assault.

“The moment we stopped and unlocked the car, it felt less like a stop-and-search and more like a planned attack,” he said.

“The police began beating us immediately and bundled us into their ‘korope’ vehicle, even though we had done absolutely nothing wrong.”

He added that when the officers discovered he was a content creator, they became even more aggressive, confiscating their phones and threatening to kill them if they resisted or called for help.

Fatal Crash at Checkpoint

In a shocking twist, Makanju claimed that during the ordeal, a woman was killed when police officers allegedly caused an approaching vehicle to crash.

“One of the officers threw a huge stone on the road, causing the car to crash. A woman inside died instantly. Instead of taking responsibility, they accused the driver of being drunk and arrested him,” he narrated.

He said the officers then forced him and his companions to withdraw all the money in their bank accounts while continuing to brutalise them.

Repeated Assault on Lawyer and Victim

Following the Saturday incident, Makanju reported the matter to his lawyer, who contacted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the station in charge. According to him, the lawyer disclosed that similar complaints had been lodged about that particular checkpoint in the past.

However, their nightmare worsened the next day when he and his lawyer were allegedly attacked again by another set of policemen while returning from the station. This second incident was reportedly captured on camera.

“On our way afterwards, we were recording videos to document what happened. Then we encountered another checkpoint and once again, the police descended on me. They beat me up simply because I was making videos,” he explained.

“Is It a Crime to Record Police Officers?”

Expressing his frustration, Makanju questioned why documenting police activities should attract such violent retaliation.

“Is it a crime in Nigeria to record police officers while they are on duty? Since when did documenting the truth become an offence? Why should I, a law-abiding citizen, be treated like a criminal for holding those in power accountable?”

He described the ordeal as fearful, humiliating, and deeply traumatic, adding that no Nigerian should be subjected to such brutality from those meant to provide security.

Call for Justice and Accountability

Makanju concluded his testimony with a strong call for justice and reform:

“I was humiliated, assaulted, and made to feel like I had no rights. This is nothing short of police brutality, and it must stop. No Nigerian should have to live in fear of the very people who are supposed to protect them. We demand justice, accountability, and an end to these abuses.”

Background: Police Brutality in Nigeria

The allegations against the Sangotedo checkpoint add to growing concerns over police misconduct and brutality in Nigeria. Despite nationwide protests such as the #EndSARS movement in 2020, reports of unlawful arrests, extortion, and physical assaults by security operatives remain frequent.

Observers told Akahi News that the latest case highlights the urgent need for the Nigerian Police Force to implement genuine reforms, enforce accountability, and restore public trust.

The harrowing account by comedian Makanju has once again thrown a spotlight on alleged police brutality in Lagos. With a woman’s life lost, victims assaulted, and evidence reportedly captured on camera, calls for justice and accountability are expected to intensify in the days ahead.

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