LASPAA Warns Police Over Harassment Of Pools Agents

The Lagos State Pools Agents Association, LASPAA, has warned the Nigeria Police in Lagos State to guard against being used to disorganise the association.

President of LASPAA, Major Sammy Ogunyebo (rtd.) said that some members of the association who were raided over indiscipline are now using the Police to harass and intimidate zonal executives of the association.

According to Major Ogunyebo, “reports have reached the state council of the LASPAA that some of our raided members are fond of using Police and lawyers to harass my executives at the zonal level. I find it difficult to believe that the Police will in turn go out to arrest my people on the pretence that they received a complaint from some people.

“I had informed the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Mr. Akpoyibo, who told me that pools betting matters, is not within the jurisdiction of the Police but exclusive matter of both the federal and various state governments. I have also send a text message to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola on matter before the situation gets out of hand. LASPAA is a responsible trade association which has the power to discipline its members. The Police should not meddle in the internal affairs of our association.”

Major Ogunyebo called on all Area Commanders and the Divisional Police Officer, DPO in the state to watch out so that officials and men of the Nigeria Police would not be used against a law abiding association like the LASPAA.