The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 55-year-old man identified as “Shameleon” over allegations of assault and murder on Lagos Island.
Deputy spokesperson of the command, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, disclosed the development in a statement obtained by The News Chronicle on Friday. He confirmed that the suspect is being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti-Yaba, while investigations continue.
According to Oluseyi, the suspect allegedly attacked a dispatch rider on Wednesday at about 3:00 p.m. on Lagos Island.
“He reportedly hit the dispatch rider’s face with a helmet and his fists and inflicted serious injuries on him.
He was rushed to the hospital, where he is receiving treatment,” he said.
Oluseyi further revealed that the suspect was also linked to an earlier incident that resulted in the death of a man.
“On Sept. 18, the police received another complaint linking the suspect to an earlier incident on Aug. 28.
During that altercation, he allegedly assaulted a man with a metallic ring, striking him repeatedly on the head and face. Despite medical intervention, the victim succumbed to the injuries and was confirmed dead by a doctor on Sept. 17.
His body has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy,” he explained.
The police image maker said news of the victim’s death triggered outrage, leading to a violent protest at the suspect’s office in Sandgrouse Market, Lagos Island. During the demonstration, two of the suspect’s motorcycles were set ablaze, creating tension in the area.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a combined team of mobile policemen, regular officers, and tactical squads to restore normalcy.
“Jimoh led a joint team of personnel to the scene, where he swiftly restored order and reassured residents that the suspect remains in custody and will face prosecution once investigations are complete.
The commissioner urged members of the public to remain calm and be law-abiding while cooperating fully with investigators.
The CP warned against jungle justice, saying that justice will be diligently pursued in all the cases against the suspect,” Babaseyi said.
