The Lagos State Police Command has cautioned activist Omoyele Sowore and others planning demonstrations over recent demolitions in the state to refrain from actions capable of disrupting public peace.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh issued the warning while addressing journalists on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos.
He stated that the command had deployed personnel across major areas in Lagos to prevent any protests that could degenerate into lawlessness.
“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.”
He explained that security operatives had been positioned at strategic points including Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, and the Lekki Toll Gate to maintain peace.
According to him, while the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, such activities must comply with lawful procedures and not infringe on the rights of others.
“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow the laid-down procedures,” he said.
Okay News reports that the Commissioner criticised recent protests, describing them as attempts to cause unrest rather than genuine demonstrations. “What we have seen in recent times is not protest but efforts to disrupt public peace. Anyone who engages in such will be dealt with according to the law,” he warned.
Speaking on the Oworonshoki demolition, Jimoh defended the Lagos State Government, noting that the affected structures were illegal and served as hideouts for criminals.
“Those areas were being used by criminals to launch attacks on innocent Nigerians. The government is justified in clearing them. Genuine residents have been compensated, and this was documented and covered by the media two days ago,” he stated.
He accused some individuals of exploiting the situation for political or criminal purposes, adding that the police would not allow anyone to use activism as a pretext for chaos.
“Anyone hiding under activism to cause disorder is complicit in a conspiracy to commit a crime; we will not permit that,” he declared.
Jimoh assured law-abiding residents of safety and urged them to go about their daily activities without fear.
“Every Nigerian is entitled to protection, safety, and freedom of movement. We will continue to ensure that Lagos remains peaceful, but criminality under the cover of protest will not be tolerated,” he affirmed.
