The Nigeria Police Force Zone 2 Command, Lagos, has responded to a viral video showing the violent arrest of Mercy Attababa, a Lagos State University (LASU) student, assuring the public that justice will be served and due process followed.

According to a statement by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayuba Umma, Attababa’s arrest followed a petition by one Emeka Okoye, who accused her and others of assault and issuing life-threatening threats. Okoye alleged that suspected cultists, allegedly including Attababa, invaded his residence on July 13 and 14, forcing his family to flee for safety.

The police confirmed that Attababa was invited for questioning, gave her statement, and was subsequently released to the Welfare Director of the LASU Students’ Union Government. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, has now ordered that the case be transferred to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for further investigation.

Reacting to public concern over the viral video, which showed armed men in uniforms dragging Attababa into a vehicle and allegedly transporting her to a location referred to as “Zone Two”- not recognized as an official police facility, the police said the officers involved have been identified. The Command assured that disciplinary action would be taken if any misconduct is confirmed.

The video, initially posted by Facebook user Obi Franklin, sparked outrage after he claimed the student was being “oppressed” over a dispute with her landlord. He urged Nigerians to share the video until it reaches the Inspector-General of Police and the LASU Vice-Chancellor.

“The Command assures members of the public that justice will be transparently served,” the statement concluded.