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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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1 year 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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COMMANDER OF IMO ANTI KIDNAPPING SQUAD (TIGER BASE) HONOURED WITH PROMOTION TO ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE. … DECORATED BY IMO COMMISSIONER OF POLICE…

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7 hours ago

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August 13, 2025

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By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
12- AUG- 2025

The Imo State Police Command Headquarters in Owerri witnessed a moment of celebration on Monday as the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, formally decorated the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly known as “Tiger Base,” Oladimeji Adeyeyiwa, with his new rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

The elevation comes on the heels of Adeyeyiwa’s recent promotion by the Inspector-General of Police, a move the CP described as “a well-earned recognition for exceptional service and outstanding results in crime-fighting.” Danjuma noted that the officer’s tenure at the helm of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit had yielded remarkable achievements, including the arrest and detention of over 65 suspected kidnappers, whose ongoing investigations have been pivotal in tracking down other criminal elements.

While addressing concerns from certain quarters calling for the disbandment of Tiger Base, Danjuma firmly advised against it, instead urging for more resources, personnel, and tools to further strengthen its operations. He credited the unit with restoring calm to previously troubled communities, dismantling the sit-at-home enforcement in the state, and reclaiming areas once deemed unsafe before the last elections.

Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, praised Adeyeyiwa’s leadership, strategic approach, and dedication to public safety. The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the police with every necessary resource to sustain the fight against crime. Similarly, ACP Linus Nwaiwu, head of the IG X-Squad in Imo, lauded Adeyeyiwa’s professionalism, loyalty, and work ethic, predicting that he may clinch the prestigious Crime Buster Award for a third consecutive year.

In his remarks, ACP Adeyeyiwa expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General, the governor, and the CP for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to redouble his efforts in safeguarding lives and property across Imo State. Adeyeyiwa, who joined the Nigeria Police Force in August 2002, is already a two-time recipient of the Crime Buster of the Year award (2023 and 2024).

 

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Tinubu offended me, he’s full of himself – Babachir Lawal

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2 days ago

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August 12, 2025

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A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has claimed that he did not offend President Bola Tinubu.

Instead, he insists that it was Tinubu who offended him.

Lawal stated this while answering questions on Politics Today on Channels Television on Monday.

When asked by host Seun Okinbaloye if he is still friends with Tinubu, Lawal replied: “Yes, of course. We are friends. You should be able to tell your friend the truth even on national TV. The last time I spoke with him (Tinubu) was July 2022.

“The problem with Bola Tinubu is that he thinks that I offended him. I didn’t offend him. But he offended me. And he’s full of himself. Because he thinks he’s the so-called president.”

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EFCC arrests Tambuwal over alleged N189bn fraud

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2 days ago

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August 12, 2025

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Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Sokoto State, is currently being quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Abuja.

The Cable reports that Tambuwal, a former governor and currently a serving senator, is in detention over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals to the tune of N189 billion.

The development comes after the African Democratic Congress, ADC, alleged that EFCC was carrying out selective investigations targeting opposition politicians.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party claimed that recent EFCC summons to senior members of the opposition coalition were politically motivated and linked to their political affiliations.

According to ADC, some of the cases being pursued are not based on new evidence but involve reopening files from past years.

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