Lagos CP Warns Sowore, Others Against Unauthorised Protests Over Demolitions

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The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has issued a stern warning to activist Omoyele Sowore and others against mobilising or leading protests over the recent demolition exercise in parts of the state.

Jimoh, who spoke to journalists on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge, said the command had made massive security deployments across strategic parts of Lagos to prevent any protest or activity capable of disrupting public peace.

He stated that the police would not tolerate any attempt to block highways or disturb the peace currently being enjoyed in the state, adding that the Third Mainland Bridge remained too critical to national and economic stability to be obstructed.

“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 commissioner disclosed that police personnel had been stationed at key locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, and Lekki Toll Gate, among others, to ensure peace and order.

According to him, while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, such rights must be exercised within the confines of the law and without infringing on the rights of other citizens.

“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow 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.”

Police Defend Demolition Exercise

Commenting on the Oworonshoki demolition, Jimoh backed the Lagos State Government’s action, describing the affected areas as “illegal settlements and criminal hideouts.”

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

He also accused some individuals of exploiting the demolition exercise for political and criminal purposes, warning that the police would not allow anyone to use “the guise of activism” to incite unrest.

“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit a crime. We will not permit that,” the police chief warned.

Jimoh assured Lagos residents of adequate protection and urged them to continue their daily activities without fear.

“Every Nigerian is entitled to safety, protection, and freedom of movement,” he added. “We will continue to ensure Lagos remains peaceful, but criminality under the cover of protest will not be tolerated.”