By Solomon OKPO
Lagos, Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, has recounted an incident in which he was mistakenly arrested by his own men during a surprise inspection of police checkpoints in Lagos.
Speaking at a recent event, Abubakar shared how his unannounced visit to officers on duty turned into a revealing moment about the state of discipline and professionalism within the police force.
According to him, the event occurred on a Saturday — a day he described as critical to his leadership style. Although his official duties were scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., he said he had risen at 6 a.m. to embark on a personal inspection tour.
“I decided to make a surprise visit to some police officers along the road to see how they were performing,” Abubakar recalled.
While driving along Herbert Macaulay Road in his Jeep, he was stopped at a checkpoint by young officers, one of whom questioned him harshly, asking: “Young man, where are you going with your father’s car?” The officers then demanded his vehicle documents and ID card.
Despite identifying himself simply as “Mohammed,” Abubakar refused to present his ID card until the officers presented theirs — which they could not. The sergeant at the scene insisted they head to Yaba Police Station (Panti) to verify his identity.
Upon arrival at the station, Abubakar parked in the spot designated for the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), further aggravating the constable who had detained him. Inside the station, he was brought before an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) who, shockingly, was dressed in shorts.
“I told him there was no way I would be interrogated by someone in casual clothes,” he said.
A scuffle ensued as the ASP attempted to pull him into an office. It was only when the ASP looked closely at his face that he recognized the man before him was the Commissioner of Police.
The realization sparked chaos in the station.
“An elderly officer went to the DPO’s office to confirm my photo on the wall,” Abubakar recounted. “When he saw it was me, he jumped out the window and ran away. The ASP, in shock, also followed through the same window.”
The Area Commander was later informed of the incident, and the officers involved — including the DPO and ASP — were reportedly detained pending further instructions.
Reflecting on the experience, Abubakar expressed deep concern not over the mistaken arrest, but over the broader issues it exposed.
“What upset me the most was not the arrest itself. It was the level of indiscipline, lack of training, and lack of professionalism,” he said. “How can a police officer stand on the road without an ID card, yet stop and detain people? How can an ASP handle official duties while wearing shorts?”
Abubakar concluded by emphasizing the importance of active, on-the-ground leadership in law enforcement.
“Leadership is not about sitting in an office. You must go out, see for yourself, and ensure truth and justice are upheld at every level,” he said.
