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Lagos CP warns Sowore against protests over recent demolitions.
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Police deploy officers across major locations to prevent unrest.
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Commissioner defends Oworonshoki demolitions, calls them security measures.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has warned activist Omoyele Sowore and his supporters against mobilising protests in response to recent demolition exercises across the state.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking to journalists on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge, Jimoh disclosed that the command had deployed officers across strategic locations in Lagos to prevent any protest 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 peace in the state.
“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 emergencies,” Jimoh stated.
He revealed that police personnel had been stationed at key locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Ojota, Maryland, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, and the Lekki Toll Gate, to ensure security and public order.
While acknowledging the citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of expression and assembly, the commissioner maintained that all protests must adhere to legal procedures.
“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow due process. What we have seen recently are not protests but deliberate attempts to disrupt public peace, and such will not be tolerated,” he declared.
Defending the Oworonshoki demolition, Jimoh said the operation targeted illegal structures that had become hideouts for criminals. “Those areas were being used by criminals to launch attacks on innocent Nigerians. Genuine residents have been compensated, and this was covered by the media two days ago,” he said.
He accused some individuals of attempting to exploit the situation for political gain, warning that “anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit crime.”
Jimoh assured Lagosians of their safety, urging them to go about their normal activities without fear. “Every Nigerian is entitled to protection, safety, and freedom of movement. Lagos remains peaceful, and we will not allow criminality under the cover of protest,” he concluded.
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