Men of the ondo state police command on Thursday invaded the residence of Laurel Ojo, a broadcaster with Radio Nigeria, Positive FM, Akure and allegedly harassed her and the children.
The incident according to the Ace Broadcaster occurred around half past 6am on Thursday at Ijapo Estate, Akure.
Recounting her ordeal, Laurel Ojo in a trembling voice said the armed police officers who were about five in number were trying to forcefully enter her gate when her daughter approached them and they insisted she must open the gate before she later intervened.
“They came in a sienna bus and all wore Jackets with SCORPION inscription on it.
“I asked them what they wanted, they said they were looking for my husband and I told them he was not around.
“They were apparently drunk because I could smell alcohol from their mouths and they insisted they must search the house.
“I told them my children were sleeping, and even asked for the search warrant, they didn’t not answer me and forcefully entered the house.
“After searching the whole apartment, as they were about going, I observed a woman in the vehicle, one Freda Lucy. She apparently brought them for the illegal operations.
“All I knew about her was that she owed my husband some money which she had not paid.”
“The treatment meted on me today was highly inhuman as I have not recovered from it as I am talking to you.”
“I have reported to the Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmi Odunlami and she apologized for what happened but I know if those officers are not checked,they will continue to harass innocent people.”
“There was no prior invitation by the police, no prior engagement, they just invaded my house because someone who thinks she is influential in the society reported and wants my husband embarrassed.”
Confirming the incident, the police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami said she had acted to know what actually happened after the Broadcaster had called to report.
She said: “Though a special squad is nicknamed Scorpion, wearing any form of jackets does automatically make you a police officer. The only and real mean of identification is their Police ID Cards of warrant cards.
“I have also called the leader of the team. Police can go and invite or arrest but then, they should perform their duties with utmost professionalism and with discretion.”
