The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into a viral video showing a uniformed officer being assaulted by a mob over an alleged theft.

The video, which began circulating on Wednesday, shows the officer sitting on the ground with blood dripping from his mouth as an angry crowd surrounded him. Visibly shaken and pleading, he appeared helpless while dozens of onlookers recorded the incident with their phones.

Although voices in the background repeatedly accused him of stealing, the exact allegation remains unclear as of press time.

A second officer is seen in the footage attempting to push through the crowd to rescue his colleague, but the mob continued chanting “Ole!” (Thief) in Yoruba. Commercial buses and tricycles moved slowly through the busy area, and a yellow bus marked “Ayedade” could be seen in the background, indicating the incident happened in a bustling Lagos location.

Reacting to the video, the Lagos Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify the officer involved.

“The command has seen the viral video,” Adebisi wrote on X. “We are investigating to determine the full circumstances and confirm the officer’s identity. Updates will follow soon.”

The Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly warned the public against mob justice, stressing that all allegations — whether against civilians or security personnel — must be handled through legal and lawful procedures.

Meanwhile, RealityGist previously reported that the Plateau State Police Command arrested 18 individuals in connection with the killing of a police officer, identified as Inspector Jeremiah, and a suspect during a mob attack in Bassa Local Government Area. The attack reportedly occurred when officers attempted to arrest a suspect accused of intimidation, trespass, and farm encroachment.