In what seems like solidarity, some Nigerians have raised about N500,000 to compensate an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Sunday Erhator, for his professional conduct and restrain when assaulted by a traffic offender, Victor Ebhomenyen, in the Oniru area of Lagos state.
Ebhomenyen, 33, had on Saturday assaulted the policeman at Four Point Hotel in the Oniru area and inflicted severe body injuries on him, according to Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi.
Viral video captured Ebhomenyen and an accomplice, Etinosa Obaywana, who is now at large, pushing the chest of Erhator and spewing expletives after the policeman and his colleagues attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the state command stopped a white Hyundai SUV, MUS 251 EH facing their convoy on one-way.
“When the police stopped the vehicle, the occupants, one Victor Ebhomenye and Etinosa Obaywana, angrily came down, confronted and violently assaulted ASP Erhator Sunday, inflicting severe bodily injuries on him.
“The officer, who was armed with his official Ak 47 riffle, displayed a high level of professionalism amidst fierce provocations by resisting the temptation to use his rifle.
“The prime suspect, Victor, is in police custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department Panti, for investigation and prosecution as and when due, while effort is ongoing to arrest his fleeing accomplice, Etinosa, who has been identified,” Adejobi said in a statement.
Adejobi also added that the vehicle has been impounded and taken to the Lagos state Taskforce Office, Oshodi, according to the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
According to him, the state commissioner of police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, commended the police personnel for their act of maturity, self-control, perseverance, and professionalism and urged other police personnel in the command to emulate them.
The investigation by The Punch revealed that some Nigerians on social media have started a donation fund for the officer for maintaining calm in the face of assault.
It was gathered that the donation was started on Sunday by a Facebook user, Ugo Egbujo.
Egbujo said: “Many of us have indicated interest to bless that police officer. The idea is to support ethical policing. The idea is to encourage responsible policing. We will give ourselves 48hrs. No amount is too small. It’s a show of support.”
“Over N450,000 has been received in cash donation as of the time of filing this report. The donation is expected to end on Tuesday while the money is expected to be given to Erhator by Wednesday afternoon.”
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos governor, met with Erhator on Monday, April 19, at the Lagos Governor Office in Alausa for a “Governorship Handshake.”
