Five policemen in Lagos have been arrested in connection to the murder of a motorbike operator. The “okada” rider, as they are locally known, was killed when he was pushed out of a fast-moving patrol van around the Iba area of the state.

An eye witness said the policemen, attached to the Isashi Divisional Headquarters, impounded the deceased’s motorbike for no clear reason.

The bike rider, identified as Effiong, protested the seizure of his motorbike and jumped into the patrol van, insisting to know where his bike and means of livelihood was being taken to.

Effiong was then allegedly pushed to his death.

When news of his callous murder spread, Effiong’s colleagues quickly mobilized, chasing down the patrol van. The police men were soon overpowered. The mob of okada riders were said to have made their way down to Isashi Division where they protested extortion and maltreatment at the hands of grasping police officers.

DSP Ngozi Braide, Lagos state police spokesperson, said the arrested officers have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigative Department for further investigation.

Braide said an autopsy will determine if Effiong was in fact pushed from the moving patrol van.