No protest will be allowed to obstruct major routes – Lagos police warn Sowore, activists
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Police Command has issued a stern warning to activist Omoyele Sowore and others planning demonstrations over recent demolitions in the state, insisting that no protest will be allowed to disrupt public peace or obstruct major routes.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh gave the warning on Monday while briefing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos.
He said the command had deployed personnel across strategic areas of the state to forestall any protest that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
He said: “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.”
The Commissioner explained that the police had stationed operatives at key locations such as Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, and the Lekki Toll Gate to ensure peace and order.
According to him, while the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, such activities must follow due process and must not infringe on the rights of others.
“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow the laid-down procedures,” he stated.
Jimoh criticised recent protests as attempts to incite unrest rather than genuine expressions of public concern.
“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’s actions, explaining that the demolished structures were illegal and used as criminal hideouts.
“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,” he said.
The Commissioner accused some individuals of exploiting the demolition for political and criminal motives, warning that the police would not tolerate any form of activism disguised as lawlessness.
“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 residents of their safety, urging them to continue their lawful 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.