Black teen left ‘traumatised’ after being handcuffed by police in alleged case of mistaken identity

A Black teenager says the events that led up to his arrest and subsequent de-arrest, was a case of mistaken identity.  

While sitting next to his mother, Anike Onifade, Olamide revealed that as result of the handcuffs used in the arrest, his wrists have been left with scars.

Olamide described the moments the police restrained him: “As I was on the floor, there was three officers taking me down, they’re putting their knees on my head, at first it was on my neck until I told them I couldn’t breathe… it was very traumatising”.

The teenager who, when arrested, had handcuffs so tight he was left bruised and bleeding says he feels traumatised by the police. Credit: ITV London

On 11 October, Olamide, 17, went to New Eltham station with friends.  

British Transport police entered the station, in response to reports of a person seen "dangling his legs near the tracks".  

Olamide told ITV News an officer approached the group and accused him of being the person that was believed to be dangling their legs over the train tracks.  Olamide, says while protesting his innocence, he was told to leave the station, before being arrested by the police and driven home. The British Transport Police have confirmed he was de-arrested.  

British Transport Police told us Ola was aggressive when approached by the officers. Credit: ITV News

The first response ITV News received from British Transport police appears to contradict what the officers told Olamide’s mother. Officers were at Eltham station on 11 October when they received a report that a young man had been dangling his legs over the platform in a dangerous position.

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Olamide Oyegbite says he was wrestled to the ground after possibly being mistaken for someone who trespassed on the railway at New Eltham. Credit: ITV News

When officers attempted to engage with the group he was with, another a 17-year-old man became aggressive towards them which lead to him being arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.In footage, recorded by Anike, a police officer says Olamide was approached as it was believed he was the person seen ‘dangling’ their legs over the tracks. 

The arrest has left Olamide with scars on his wrists. Anike says the video of the arrest of her son brought her to tears.

BTP confirmed they have received a complaint regarding the incident.