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‘ I can’t breathe,’ says UK lawyer Dele Johnson pinned down by security for refusing to remove shoes.

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2 years ago

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A duty solicitor recounted a harrowing experience where he was restrained by “four or five” court security staff, despite his plea that he couldn’t breathe.
Defence solicitor Dele Johnson, speaking with The Law Society Gazette, described how guards pinned him down with their knees after he refused a security search request to remove his shoes.
The incident took place as Johnson was fulfilling his duties in the Youth Court at Stratford Magistrates’ on Wednesday, May 1.
He told the Gazette he thought “for about 30 seconds that I was in danger.”
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Johnson, 37, drew a parallel between his experience and the tragic incident involving George Floyd, whose death at the hands of Minneapolis police ignited the Black Lives Matter movement.
“I never thought I’d also be saying ‘I can’t breathe’,’ said Mr Johnson. ‘I was just trying to do my job.”
The London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association has raised concerns, stating that lawyers may boycott the court if the guards allegedly involved in the assault on Johnson are not suspended by the private company OCS.
Johnson’s identification card was checked upon his arrival as a duty youth court solicitor on Wednesday.
Following a brief exit from the building for a cigarette break, he consented to a pat-down search upon his return but refused to remove his shoes, leading to an altercation with four guards who forcibly removed him.
Despite having a defendant awaiting his representation, Johnson attempted to re-enter the building through a side door, only to be intercepted by “four or five” guards.
During the court proceedings, Johnson stated that security personnel had entered the courtroom. He had a feeling that this was probably related to him.
After the court proceedings, Johnson exited the courtroom and engaged in discussions with fellow representatives.
Upon his arrival, he was denied entry by the security personnel.
Johnson said, “One of the security officers blocked me while I tried to go to court number 10.”
These are serious complaints we are urgently investigating as a priority. Our security measures are designed to protect all court users and are under constant review,” he said.

 

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EVENTS

EID-EL-FITR: IGP DISU FELICITATES MUSLIM FAITHFUL, ORDERS NATIONWIDE DEPLOYMENT OF TACTICAL ASSETS

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6 days ago

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March 20, 2026

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​The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has extended warm felicitations to the Muslim faithful across Nigeria on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

​In furtherance of his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment during the festive period, the Inspector-General has directed Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders across all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory to implement robust security arrangements.
​Operational measures include:
​Strategic deployment of tactical teams and intelligence operatives.

​Deployment of the Special Intervention Squad and conventional police personnel to Eid prayer grounds and critical infrastructure.
​Increased presence at highways, motor parks, recreational centers, and other public spaces to ensure peaceful, hitch-free celebrations.

​The IGP has also ordered heightened visibility policing, coordinated patrols, enhanced surveillance operations, and intelligence-led stop-and-search duties. These actions are aimed at proactively deterring criminal activities and ensuring a swift response to any emerging threats.

​IGP Disu calls on members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency lines:
​08057000001, 08057000002, 09133333785, and 09133333786.
​IGP Tunji Disu wishes all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
20th March, 2026

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Hon Success Opara celebrates Mothering Sunday with St. Peter women, hails them as the ‘neck that controls the household

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2 weeks ago

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March 15, 2026

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Hon Success Opara, former councilorship candidate for Ikenegbu Ward 2, celebrated Mothering Sunday with the women of St. Peter Anglican Church, Ikenegbu, extolling them as the backbone of their households.

He described them as the “neck that controls the household,” acknowledging their vital role in shaping families and communities.

Opara’s gesture is seen as a testament to his commitment to uplifting and empowering women.

The celebration, which coincided with the Christian observance of Mothering Sunday, featured fellowship and words of encouragement from Opara, who prayed for the women’s well-being.

This event highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating mothers and mother figures in Nigerian society.

 

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EVENTS

“Early marriage is better than fornication” – Mixed reactions as young Nigerian couple trends after welcoming a child

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3 weeks ago

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March 5, 2026

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A young Nigerian couple are currently trending on Arewa social media circles after they welcomed their first child.

The pictures taken by a Kaduna-based photographer have sparked mixed reactions, with some people saying that the girl is underaged and not old enough to be a wife and mother.

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