Nigerian lawyer slams police for assaulting terror suspect in UK

A British-Nigerian lawyer and anti-racism advocate, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, has criticised police officers for using force in the arrest of a terror suspect in Golders Green, London, capital of the United Kingdom.

Mos-Shogbamimu described the actions of the Metropolitan Police officers on Wednesday as an “abuse of power” as they subdued Essa Suleiman, a terror suspect accused of attacking two men, Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76.

Both men suffered serious injuries and were treated in hospital, with the Metropolitan Police declaring it a terrorist incident.

Diaspora Tales gathered that the British police officers used a Taser on the 45-year-old before pinning him to the ground and striking him while attempting to disarm him.

Reacting to a video of the arrest shared online according to the Daily Mail, Mos-Shogbamimu said the force used by the law enforcement was not necessary.

She said, “Contemptible abuse of police power; why kick him in the head several times when he’s already tasered and in your control? Should he not be alive to be brought to justice in a court of law?”

In another post, the Nigerian insisted that while the officers’ bravery in confronting a violent attacker was commendable, the actions depicted in overpowering him were questionable.

“Courage in apprehending a violent man isn’t in question. Excessive force after apprehending him is,” she added.

Her remarks have triggered a wave of backlash on social media, with many defending the officers’ actions, citing the dangerous nature of the suspect, who had allegedly stabbed two people during the attack.

Biodun Busari is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with five years of experience reporting on human interest, crime, diaspora issues, and feature storytelling. He focuses on producing engaging, informative stories that enlighten the public and provide context on complex topics. Biodun’s work demonstrates hands-on newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accurate, purpose-driven journalism.

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