The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has cautioned activist Omoyele Sowore and other groups against mobilising protests over recent demolition exercises in the state.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge, Jimoh said the command had made massive deployments across strategic parts of the city to prevent any demonstration that could lead to a breach of public order.
He warned that the police would not tolerate attempts to block major highways or disrupt the peace currently being enjoyed in Lagos.
“We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law. 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 Commissioner said.
Jimoh disclosed that officers had been stationed at key locations including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, and the Lekki Toll Gate to maintain peace and ensure free movement of people and goods across the city.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, he stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with due process.
“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow laid-down procedures. What we have seen in recent times are not genuine protests but attempts to cause public disorder. Anyone involved in such acts will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the recent demolition of structures in Oworonshoki, Jimoh defended the government’s action, describing the cleared areas as illegal settlements and hideouts for criminal elements.
“Those areas were being used by criminals to launch attacks on innocent residents. The government is justified in clearing them. Genuine residents have been compensated, and this was documented and covered by the media,” he added.
The police boss accused certain individuals of trying to exploit the situation for political or criminal motives, warning that the command would not allow anyone to use activism as a cover to cause chaos.
“Anyone hiding under activism to create disorder is complicit in criminal conspiracy, and we will not permit that,” he said.
Jimoh assured law-abiding residents of adequate security and urged them to go about their daily activities without fear.
“Every Nigerian is entitled to safety and freedom of movement. We will continue to ensure Lagos remains peaceful, but criminality under the guise of protest will not be tolerated,” he reaffirmed.
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