The Lagos Police Command has arrested 13 suspects for assaulting an inspector attached to the Lagos State Taskforce over alleged theft in the Oshodi area of the state.

A viral video, which began circulating on social media on Wednesday, showed the officer in uniform seated on the ground and bleeding from the mouth as the mob beat him. The officer was accused of stealing.

In a statement on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said the officer was on official duty enforcing the state government’s ban on wrong parking on Brown Street in Oshodi.

Ms Adebisi said trouble began when the inspector stopped a motorist attempting to park illegally.

“The driver became violent, leading to a heated confrontation. During the altercation, the inspector accidentally discharged his firearm onto the road, and debris from the impact injured some passersby.

“The situation quickly escalated as a mob gathered and violently attacked the officer, leaving him with serious injuries,” she said.

Ms Adebisi stated that although the theft allegation was false, the officer is facing disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct after accidentally discharging shots.

“The Inspector has been subjected to disciplinary actions in line with established police procedures for his unprofessional conduct.

“In the same vein, thirteen (13) suspects captured in the viral video assaulting the officer have been arrested, are currently in police custody, and will be prosecuted upon the completion of investigations.”

The command said the suspects are Dele Oriade, 39; Adekunle Olalere, 40; Mudashiru Olamilekan, 28; Anayo Achusie, 34; Joshua Enwonyin, 24; Okoro Okechukwu, 26; Rilwan Lateef, 32; Damilare Odebode, 22; Haruna Aleshi, 25; Sodiq Omoniyi, 26; Chukwudi Patience, 25; Godstime Okafor, 26; and Chinedu Divine, 29.

The state commissioner of police, Jimoh Olohundare, warned against attacking police officers on lawful duty, noting that such attacks are a criminal offence and will not be condoned under any circumstances.