Inspector petitions IGP over alleged assault, threats at station in Lagos

By Yusuf Muhammed

W/Inspector Alonge Bridget, attached to Sabo Police Station, Yaba, Lagos State, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, alleging assault, threats to life, maltreatment, and professional misconduct by W/DSP Josephine Okeme, the Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) of the station.

In her petition, W/Inspector Alonge stated that on 12 February 2025, shortly after her posting to the traffic section, W/DSP Okeme allegedly assaulted her in uniform, striking her on the chest. She said the incident left her ill for two weeks, during which she sought medical treatment and attached the relevant medical reports to her petition.

She further alleged that on 17 November 2025, at about 5:20 p.m., while she was on duty at the Divisional Crime Branch (DCB)—following her redeployment from traffic by the DPO, W/CSP Comfort Alabi—W/DSP Okeme confronted her, slapped her without provocation, and threatened further assault. In the course of fleeing, she reportedly injured her hand, which became swollen.

According to her, the alleged harassment extended beyond the office, with W/DSP Okeme following her to bus stops after work, insulting her publicly and discouraging bus conductors from carrying her.

W/Inspector Alonge said she reported the matter to the then Area ‘C’ Commander, ACP Ayoola Oladunni, who summoned W/DSP Okeme. As no offence was established against her, she was retained at the Area Command until the DPO requested her return to Sabo Division, citing her diligence.

She claimed that upon her return, the alleged harassment continued unabated, prompting her to petition the IGP through the Lagos State Police Annex, Obalende.

On 19 December 2025, she alleged that W/DSP Okeme again verbally abused her at her office and subsequently reported her to the DPO for failing to greet her, leading to an order for her to be defaulted. Efforts by this reporter to seek clarification from the DPO reportedly yielded no resolution.

Despite a directive from the O/C Provost advising reconciliation between the officers, W/Inspector Alonge stated that no action was taken, leaving her with no option but to seek the IGP’s intervention.

She is appealing to the Inspector-General of Police to protect her, alleging that W/DSP Okeme has boasted that no consequences would follow even if she caused her serious harm.

The petition is here below: