A commercial truck driver, Peter Francis, is battling serious injuries and a growing medical bill estimated at more than ₦11 million after he was shot during an encounter with police officers at a checkpoint along the Ketu-Epe-Ikorodu Road in Lagos.
The incident, which occurred on June 12, has sparked fresh scrutiny of police conduct in Lagos, with the victim’s lawyer and police authorities offering sharply conflicting accounts of what transpired.
According to Francis’ lawyer, Olatunji Ajayi, the driver was returning home from work when officers attached to the Ketu-Ereyun Divisional Police Station stopped his vehicle and instructed him to switch on the interior light.
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Ajayi alleged that after Francis complied, an officer identified as Corporal Ibrahim demanded a ₦500 bribe. He claimed Francis explained that he had exhausted his cash after purchasing food.
The lawyer said the officer subsequently opened fire on the vehicle, striking Francis in the leg.
“Without any provocation, a police officer identified as Ibrahim, who was part of the team, opened fire on the vehicle occupied by Mr. Peter Francis and his friend,” Ajayi said.
He further alleged that the officers fled the scene after realising the victim had been hit, leaving him without immediate assistance.
According to the lawyer, military personnel attached to the Lagos State Food and Logistics Hub later intervened and compelled the officers to return and assist the injured driver.
Francis was reportedly rejected by two hospitals before he was eventually admitted to the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, where emergency surgery was performed.
Medical complications from the gunshot injury have reportedly left him unable to properly use the affected leg. Doctors are said to have recommended reconstructive plastic surgery to repair damaged blood vessels.
Ajayi disclosed that the victim has already accumulated medical expenses exceeding ₦1.1 million, while corrective surgery could cost an additional ₦10 million.
The lawyer insisted that Francis was a law-abiding citizen returning from work and had documents to support his delivery assignment.
Police authorities, however, have disputed the account.
The Divisional Police Officer of Ketu-Ereyun Division, CSP Kalu Chijioke, said the shooting occurred after Francis allegedly attempted to evade a stop-and-search operation.
According to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), officers were conducting security checks near the Lagos-Ogun border when Francis allegedly knocked down one officer, brushed another and appeared to be heading towards a third officer before a shot was fired.
Chijioke denied claims that officers abandoned the victim and said police personnel immediately sought medical help and later secured his admission at the military hospital.
In a development that has drawn public attention, both the lawyer and police confirmed that Chijioke visited Francis in hospital, donated blood and transferred ₦400,000 to support treatment.
While the lawyer argued that the gesture pointed to responsibility for the shooting, the DPO described it as a humanitarian intervention aimed at saving the victim’s life.
Lagos Police spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi confirmed the incident and said officers involved have been detained for questioning as investigations continue.
The victim’s legal team is now demanding that the Nigeria Police Force cover all medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and compensation arising from the shooting.
