The Lagos State Police Command has issued a stern warning to activist Omoyele Sowore and other protesters planning demonstrations against recent government demolitions, threatening arrest and prosecution.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh, who addressed journalists at Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge on Monday, said the command had deployed officers across strategic locations to prevent any protests that could disrupt public order.
“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 disclosed that officers had been stationed at critical points including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, Lekki Toll Gate, and other areas to maintain peace.
Whilst acknowledging that the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, Jimoh insisted that protesters must follow due process and not infringe on others’ rights.
“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow the laid-down procedures,” he said.
“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.”
Defending the recent Oworonshoki demolition, the commissioner described the affected areas as illegal structures that served as hideouts for criminals.
“Those areas were being used by criminals to launch attacks on innocent Nigerians,” Jimoh explained.
“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 accused some individuals of attempting to exploit the situation for political or criminal purposes, warning that the police would not tolerate anyone using protests as a cover for causing mayhem.
“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit a crime; we will not permit that,” the commissioner said.
Jimoh assured law-abiding residents of adequate protection, urging them to continue 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.”
