Lagos, January 5, 2024: The Lagos State Police Command is currently investigating an alleged assault on Tope Segun by suspected members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in the Olodan area of Ijora Badia, Lagos.
Tope accused the OPC members of brutally attacking her, alleging that her former boyfriend, identified as Atari, orchestrated the incident to “discipline” her brother, Abdulahi, following a prior clash.
In video clips obtained by Punch, a Nigerian newspaper, Tope is visibly injured, demanding justice and recounting how she was beaten while trying to protect her brother from the OPC members.
Tope explained, “My former boyfriend came to our house on Olodan Street, Ijora Badia on Friday, December 29, 2023, and met my brother. My brother told him not to enter the house… he should call my line since I was not around and I was the one he wanted to see.”
According to her, a confrontation between Atari and her brother ensued, leading to a fight. Tope intervened and hit Atari, who then invited OPC members to discipline her brother.
“When the OPC men came, they began hitting my brother with planks. They beat him from our place towards the OPC’s base. One of them took a grinding machine belt and flogged me with it. I was slapped. I was running to the other street, and one of them followed me and kept hitting me with the belt. I insisted I must take my brother home,” Tope recounted.
Following the incident, Tope and her brother reported the matter to the police station in Pako, Amukoko, on New Year’s Eve. The case has since reached the Area Command, with the suspect released on bail pending further investigation.
Despite calls for an amicable settlement, Tope insists on pursuing justice and not allowing the case to be overlooked.
Concerned residents shared a video depicting the injuries to Tope’s upper body, raising alarms about the severity of the assault. A resident, Lawal Aliu, expressed shock at the extent of the beating, stating, “They beat the lady too much.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident but clarified that the suspect was released on bail as permitted by law. He emphasized that all involved parties were scheduled to meet at the area commander’s office on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
An official from the OPC faction, led by Gani Adams, promised to investigate the matter and provide further details. The incident highlights the need for a thorough inquiry into the alleged assault, ensuring accountability and justice for Tope Segun.
