Lagos Police Warn Sowore Against Protests Over Demolition Exercise

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has cautioned activist Omoyele Sowore and his supporters against staging protests in the state over the recent demolition of structures in Oworonshoki.

Jimoh issued the warning on Monday while addressing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. He said the police had deployed personnel across the city to prevent any planned demonstrations that could lead to unrest or disrupt public movement.

According to him, the police would not allow any group to block major roads or cause tension, stressing that the Third Mainland Bridge was a crucial route for economic activities and emergencies in the state.

He noted that anyone who attempted to use the demolition issue as a reason to cause chaos would face legal consequences.

The commissioner explained that while the Nigerian Constitution permits peaceful assembly, such activities must follow established procedures and must not infringe on the rights of other citizens.

He added that those who engage in protests without proper approval or who attempt to create public disorder would be arrested and prosecuted.

Jimoh also defended the Lagos State Government’s demolition of structures in Oworonshoki, describing the cleared areas as illegal settlements often used by criminals to plan and carry out attacks.

He said the government had compensated genuine residents, and the process was properly documented and covered by the media.He accused some individuals of trying to exploit the situation for political or criminal reasons, saying the police would not allow any form of disruption under the disguise of activism.

Jimoh assured residents that adequate security measures were in place across major locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Ojota, Lekki Toll Gate, Gbagada, Maryland, and Bariga.

He urged Lagosians to go about their daily activities peacefully, assuring them of their safety and the command’s commitment to maintaining order in the state.