EKO NEWS

Lagos Police Inspector Faces Trial After Celebrating Ladipo Market Reopening With Gunshots

Published

1 year ago

Oct 19, 2023.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Inspector Istifanus Kwanchi of the Lagos State Police Command is facing disciplinary proceedings after celebrating the reopening of the popular Ladipo market in Mushin, Lagos, with gunshots.

The market, which was sealed by the Lagos State Government due to environmental violations, was reopened on Monday.

The reopening sparked wild jubilations among marketers who sang and danced.

Inspector Kwanchi joined in the celebration by releasing several shots into air with his AK47 rifle.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Idowu Owohunwa, has ordered the immediate commencement of disciplinary proceedings against the officer for his “unprofessional, unethical and dangerous behavior.”

Screenshot of a clip showing Inspector Istifanus Kwanchi shoot into the air

The police officer in this video, Inspector Istifanus Kwanchi, serving with the Mobile Police (MOPOL), has been brought in for appropriate disciplinary actions. @LagosPoliceNG condemns in its entirety all forms of unprofessional and unethical behaviour on the part of its… pic.twitter.com/IiXrXoaNVN

— SP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) October 18, 2023

“The Lagos State Police Command has identified the person in a viral video shown shooting an AK47 rifle in Ladipo Market as Inspector Istifanus Kwanchi, serving in a Lagos squadron of the Mobile Police (MOPOL),” the statement reads.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, has ordered the immediate commencement of disciplinary proceedings against the officer for his unprofessional, unethical and dangerous behavior.

“Meanwhile, members of the public are hereby assured that the Command will not tolerate any form of deviant behavior from its officers and men, while those found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with laid down rules.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos government said it reopened Ladipo market after it met the “most essential criteria” set for reopening sealed markets.

According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, business activities would commence at the popular spare parts market after its recent closure for various environmental infractions.

He noted that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu prioritised the issue of clean environment, public health, and safety, in line with the THEMES Plus agenda, which informed the recent drive, to enforce strict compliance with waste management best practice, across markets in the state.

The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public safety, particularly within markets and around business facilities, stressing that the goal was to ensure all markets in Lagos State, followed laid down environmental rules, resulting in a safer and healthier business environment for buyers and sellers.

Gbadegesin urged the traders to support the efforts of the state government, by adhering strictly to the environmental laws, as markets that run foul of the law risk indefinite closure.

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