The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has warned Omoyele Sowore and his supporters against mobilising protests in reaction to recent demolitions in the state.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge, Jimoh said the command had carried out massive deployments across Lagos to forestall any planned demonstrations that could lead to public disorder.
He said, “We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law.”
The police chief stressed that the command would not tolerate any attempt to block major roads or disrupt the peace in the state.
Jimoh warned, “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 disclosed that officers had been stationed at strategic points, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, Lekki Toll Gate, and other areas, to ensure peace and order.
While acknowledging that the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and assembly, Jimoh insisted that protests must follow due process.
“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow 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 declared.
On the recent demolition exercise in Oworonshoki, the commissioner defended the government’s action, saying the affected areas were illegal structures that served as hideouts for criminals.
He said, “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.”
Jimoh accused some individuals of attempting to exploit the situation for political or criminal purposes.
“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit crime. We will not permit that,” he said.
The commissioner assured Lagos 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,” Jimoh said.
