BAT Lawyers Group Calls for Probe into Alleged Police Assault on Member

Mr Ernest Okpaga

The BAT Lawyers Group, a coalition of Nigerian legal practitioners supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's renewed hope agenda, has demanded an investigation into the alleged assault of one of its members, Mr Ernest Okpaga, by police officers.

The incident reportedly took place on December 19 at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja, where Okpaga, a lawyer, was representing a client.

At a press conference held in Ikeja, Lagos, the group’s convener, Mrs Habibat Bankole-Apena, condemned the incident, describing it as a blatant violation of the rule of law and professional ethics. 

She disclosed that the group had formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the matter and hold the officers involved accountable.

Bankole-Apena explained that Okpaga was assaulted after resisting attempts by officers to lock him and his client, Ms Thomas Abiodun, in a room. Abiodun reportedly collapsed during her detention, which escalated the situation.

Okpaga was allegedly beaten and dragged across the floor by officers in plain clothes, who, according to the group, exploited their informal attire to commit the assault.

"The actions of a few bad eggs in the Nigeria Police Force are tarnishing the image of the force and the government.

“This government has a vision for good governance and justice, and incidents like this undermine that agenda,” Bankole-Apena stated.

She identified one of the officers involved as ASP Raliant, who allegedly played a central role in the misconduct. 

Bankole-Apena called on the IGP to ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken to serve as a deterrent.

The group emphasized the need for accountability and transparency. “We have called this press conference to demonstrate that there are no sacred cows under this government,” Bankole-Apena said, adding, “We trust that the IGP will act expeditiously in the interest of justice and national trust.”

The assault reportedly ended only after other officers intervened, ensuring that Okpaga and his client received medical attention at a police clinic. 

Despite this intervention, the group decried the incident as part of a troubling pattern of impunity among certain officers.

“We demand that disciplinary mechanisms be activated to prevent similar acts of tyranny by officers,” Bankole-Apena added. 

“Our member would have been beaten to death without the timely intervention of other officers,” he said.

The BAT Lawyers Group reaffirmed its commitment to justice and police reform, urging the authorities to restore public confidence by addressing systemic abuse within the police force.

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