POLICE DETAIN OFFICERS AS LAGOS DRIVER BATTLES TO SAVE LEG AFTER CHECKPOINT SHOOTING
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By;Tajudeen Aminat
A commercial truck driver, Peter Francis, is battling to save his leg after he was shot during an encounter with police officers at a checkpoint along the Ketu-Epe-Ikorodu Road in Lagos State.
The incident, which occurred on June 12, 2026, has generated conflicting accounts from the victim’s representatives and the police, with authorities confirming that the officers involved have been detained pending further investigation.
According to the victim’s lawyer, Olatunji Ajayi, Francis was returning home from work when officers attached to the Ketu-Ereyun Divisional Police Station stopped his vehicle and instructed him to switch on the interior light.
Ajayi alleged that one of the officers, identified as Ibrahim, demanded a ₦500 bribe. He claimed Francis explained that he had already spent his remaining cash on food kept in the vehicle.
The lawyer further alleged that the officer opened fire on the vehicle without provocation, striking Francis in the leg.
“Without any provocation, a police officer identified as Ibrahim opened fire on the vehicle occupied by Mr Peter Francis and his friend. One of the bullets struck Mr Francis in the leg, causing severe injuries,” Ajayi said.
He also alleged that the officers left the scene after the shooting and that military personnel attached to the Lagos State Food and Logistics Hub later intervened, pursued the officers and ensured the victim received medical attention.
Francis was reportedly rejected by two hospitals before being admitted to the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, where he underwent emergency surgery.
However, the Lagos State Police Command presented a different account of the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the shooting and stated that the officers involved had been detained for further questioning.
Speaking on the incident, the Divisional Police Officer of Ketu-Ereyun Division, CSP Kalu Chijioke, maintained that Francis was being investigated in connection with alleged offences and denied claims that officers acted unlawfully.
According to the DPO, officers were conducting stop-and-search operations near a government school when Francis allegedly attempted to flee after being stopped.
He claimed the vehicle knocked down one officer, brushed another and moved toward Corporal Tijani Ibrahim, who then discharged his weapon.
“This is a case of attempted murder and assault on police officers in the line of duty and unlawful possession of substances suspected to be illicit drugs,” the DPO stated.
Kalu denied allegations that officers abandoned the victim, insisting that police personnel immediately coordinated efforts to secure treatment.
He disclosed that officers transported Francis to multiple hospitals before he was eventually admitted to the military hospital.
The DPO further claimed he personally donated blood and transferred ₦400,000 to support the victim’s treatment while ensuring his continued medical care.
Despite acknowledging the DPO’s support, the victim’s lawyer insisted that the gesture does not remove institutional responsibility.
According to him, Francis remains unable to move the affected leg and doctors have recommended reconstructive plastic surgery to repair damaged blood vessels.
Ajayi said medical bills already incurred stand at ₦1,126,600, while corrective surgery is estimated at ₦10 million, bringing the projected treatment cost to over ₦11.1 million.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force to assume full responsibility for the victim’s treatment, rehabilitation and compensation.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command said investigations remain ongoing and assured the public that further findings would be communicated upon completion of the process.
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