Olumide Sonupe, a lawyer based in Lagos, was hospitalized after reportedly being detained by the police while attempting to secure bail for his client at the Moshalashi Police Station in the Alimosho area of the state on December 30, 2023.

Following two nights spent with his client in the police cell, the 36-year-old Olumide's health deteriorated upon his release on January 1, 2024. The incident unfolded when Olumide visited the station on December 30 to seek the release of his client, a carpenter held for an alleged breach of contract.

The carpenter's predicament arose from a customer who had commissioned chairs. Subsequently, the customer claimed that the chairs did not match the provided designs and reported the matter to the police, prompting the carpenter's detention.

He recounted, "They conveyed their intention to detain my client. I had a discussion with the Investigating Police Officer, Supol Grace, emphasizing that the issue was solely a civil matter and lacked criminal implications. I proposed an amicable resolution. After consulting with the carpenter, he committed to paying N50,000 by the end of January and the remaining balance of approximately N162,000 upon selling the chairs. All parties reached a consensus. They instructed him to draft an undertaking and demanded N30,000 for bail. Despite numerous appeals, they declined.

"I requested to speak with the carpenter in his cell. While conversing, the IPO mentioned bringing a POS for the N30,000 payment. I advised the carpenter to offer N5,000, but he expressed concern about potential rejection and opted to provide N10,000."

Subsequently, another female officer, who was absent during the IPO's initial instructions to stay with the client, entered and accused him of being with a detained suspect without the presence of an officer.

He recounted, "She initiated physical contact by poking her fingers on my chest, but I firmly instructed her not to touch me. In response, she threatened to head-butt me and derogatorily labeled me a 'useless charge-and-bail lawyer.' The Divisional Police Officer, Austin Arase, arrived and accused me of disrespecting the officers. Before I could respond, he attempted to slap me, asserting his authority. I promptly reminded him that such actions were unacceptable towards a lawyer and a member of the NBA. He withdrew his hand but ordered my confinement. Gripping one end of my trousers, another male police officer, along with the IPO woman, seized my clothes and forcibly escorted me to the cell area. They stripped me of my clothes and belongings before pushing me inside the cell."

The lawyer informed his brother, who, upon arrival, was told by the police that he was being detained for attempting to disarm an officer.

He continued, "The following morning, my brother and aunt pleaded for my release. My brother advised me to comply with whatever they demanded. They escorted me to the DPO's office, where I observed a video screen displaying activities throughout the station via CCTV cameras."

While composing the statement, they inquired about the alleged attack on the DPO. I was taken aback and clarified that it was the DPO who had attempted to slap me. In the statement, I emphasized the presence of cameras in the vicinity, asserting that video recordings would substantiate my innocence.

"After drafting the statement, we returned to the DPO. He instructed them to detain me once more, which they promptly did. My aunt also arrived, urging me to retract my statement. Following extensive discussion, I accompanied her upstairs and faced the DPO again. He invited me to sit down and inquire about the events of the previous day. I recounted the entire incident, and in response, the DPO instructed them to bring a Maltina drink for me."

It was reported that the DPO directed Olumide to provide a surety. However, when his brother and aunt offered to stand as sureties, the DPO allegedly turned down their offer.

"He insisted that he couldn't accept a woman as a surety and, although willing to accept my brother, stipulated the need for a civil servant. Despite my aunt confirming her status as a civil servant, he remained unwilling. She contacted someone, and upon their arrival, the DPO mentioned he had to leave, requesting us to wait. We waited for hours, but he did not return until around 10 pm," Olumide recounted.

Olumide's client, who had been granted bail, was re-arrested before leaving the station, and both were confined in the same cell.

Describing the events, he stated, "The next morning, around 4 am, the Area Commander arrived and accused me of assaulting the DPO. He informed me that they planned to take me to court the following day. A policewoman present assisted me to stand, and I was returned to the cell. A short while later, they summoned me at the Area Commander's request. I explained that I couldn't walk due to intense pain.

"The officers left, and two others returned, alleging that I had disrespected the Area Commander. I expressed my willingness to comply but mentioned my difficulty in walking. They approached, attempted to lift me, but I fell back down. With their assistance, I managed to stand. When asked to narrate the incident, I informed the Area Commander that I couldn't move my legs. This angered him, and he left."

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, verified the incident and criticized Olumide for behaving "inappropriately."

"Lawyers visit police stations regularly without encountering problems. However, his conduct was distinctive. He acted without decorum," Hundeyin remarked.