Dare Babalola
Lagos State Police Commissioner, Olohundare Jimoh, has cautioned activist Omoyele Sowore and others against organising protests in response to recent demolitions in the state.
The warning was issued by Jimoh while he addressed newsmen on Monday in Lagos, specifically at the Iyana-Oworo area of the Third Mainland Bridge.
The police commissioner stated that the command has deployed officers across the city to prevent planned demonstrations that could disrupt public order.
He stressed that the command will not allow any attempts to block major highways or disrupt the existing peace 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, ” he said.
The police chief announced that officers have been deployed to key locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, Lekki Toll Gate, and other areas, to maintain peace and order.
He noted that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, protests must adhere to due process and respect the rights of others.
“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow the laid-down procedures.
“What we have seen in recent times is not protest but attempts to disrupt public peace. Anyone who engages in such will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.
On the recent Oworonshoki demolition, Jimoh defended the government’s action, describing the affected areas as illegal structures and 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 said.
He accused some individuals of attempting to exploit the situation for political or criminal purposes, warning that the police would not allow anyone to use the guise of protest to cause mayhem.
“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit a crime; we will not permit that, ” he said.
The commissioner assured law-abiding residents of adequate protection, urging 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 said.
