Police Brutality On Lawyer: Law Firm Petitions Police Authorities Over Alleged Assault of Lawyer, Accuses DPO of Obstructing Justice
A Lagos-based law firm, Tope Temokun Chambers, has petitioned top police authorities over the alleged assault and intimidation of one of its lawyers by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ore Division, Ondo State, during the discharge of his professional duties.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the firm disclosed that it had formally written petitions to the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State; the Inspector-General of Police; the Police Service Commission; and other relevant oversight bodies, accusing the DPO, Mr. Moses Adeduro, of abuse of office, obstruction of justice, and professional misconduct.
According to the firm, the incident occurred on January 8, 2026, at the Ore Divisional Police Headquarters, when one of its legal practitioners, Adedotun Emmanuel Adegoroye, Esq., accompanied a client to the station to lodge a complaint of stealing and criminal conversion.
The client, identified as the Managing Director of Niret Marketing Product Company Limited, had reportedly discovered that some company staff, acting in concert with a supplier’s staff and a driver, unlawfully removed and sold company goods valued at about ₦20.4 million. The firm noted that some receivers of the allegedly stolen goods had already been arrested prior to the visit.
However, the firm alleged that upon arrival at the police station, officers attempted to coerce the complainant into an informal settlement without first taking her statement. When the lawyer objected and insisted on due process, he was reportedly directed to meet the DPO.
The petition further alleged that the DPO dismissed the presence of legal representation, reportedly stating that lawyers were not needed at the police station, and ordered that counsel be forcibly removed from his office. In the process, a police officer allegedly grabbed and physically ejected the lawyer.
Tope Temokun Chambers described the alleged actions as a “grave abuse of office,” adding that they amount to an assault and intimidation of a legal practitioner and a deliberate obstruction of justice, in violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Police Act and Regulations, and the Legal Practitioners Act.
The firm has demanded:
1. An immediate and thorough investigation into the conduct of the DPO and other officers involved;
2. Appropriate disciplinary measures in line with police regulations;
3. A formal written apology to the assaulted lawyer; and
4. The transfer of the underlying criminal complaint to higher police authorities to ensure impartiality.
The chambers also claimed to be aware of existing complaints of similar misconduct against the same DPO, raising concerns about an alleged pattern of abuse of authority.
“We filed these petitions in the interest of justice, professionalism, and the protection of the legal profession and members of the public from intimidation,” the statement said, stressing that lawyers must be allowed to carry out their lawful duties without harassment or violence.
The firm expressed confidence that the relevant authorities would act decisively to uphold the rule of law and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
The Nigeria Police has yet to officially respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
