Lagos police commissioner warns Sowore over protests

Lagos Police Commissioner warns Omoyele Sowore against protests over demolitions, pledging tough action to prevent disruption and maintain order

Lagos Police Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh has issued a stern warning to activist Omoyele Sowore and his supporters against mobilising protests in response to recent demolitions across the state.

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Addressing journalists on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge, Jimoh said the command had made massive security deployments across Lagos to prevent demonstrations that could lead to disorder or disruption of economic activities.

He cautioned that the police would not allow any individual or group to block major roads or disturb the peace of the state, particularly around critical routes such as the Third Mainland Bridge.

“We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law,” Jimoh said.

“The Third Mainland Bridge is too vital to the Nigerian economy and the safety of lives and property for anyone to think of blocking it. Every day, thousands of people depend on that route for their livelihood and medical emergencies.”

The police chief noted that officers had been stationed at strategic points including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, and Lekki Toll Gate to maintain peace and public order.

While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, Jimoh insisted that protests must follow due process and not infringe upon the rights of others. “Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must comply with the laid-down procedures,” he said.

“What we have seen in recent times are not protests but attempts to disrupt public peace. Anyone who engages in such will be dealt with according to the law.”

On the recent demolitions in Oworonshoki, the Commissioner defended the Lagos State Government’s actions, describing the cleared structures as illegal and often used as criminal hideouts.

“Those areas were being used by criminals to launch attacks on innocent Nigerians,” he stated. “The government is justified in clearing them. Genuine residents have been compensated, and this was documented and covered by the media two days ago.”

Jimoh accused some individuals of trying to exploit the situation for political or criminal motives, warning that the police would not tolerate any attempt to cause chaos under the guise of activism.

“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit a crime. We will not permit that,” he declared.

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He assured residents of adequate protection and urged them to go about their daily activities without fear. “Every Nigerian is entitled to protection, safety, and freedom of movement,” he said. “We will continue to ensure that Lagos remains peaceful, but criminality under the cover of protest will not be tolerated.”

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Ibrahim Onipede