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By Christopher Oji
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups planning to stage protests in the state, emphasising that any attempt to disrupt public peace will be met with the full weight of the law.
He specifically warned activist, Omoyele Sowore,his loyalists and others he described as mischief makers to stay away from the state or risk his wrath.
The CP vowed to smoke out any miscreant, who wants to hide under the guise of protest.
Speaking to journalists yesterday , on Third Mainland Bridge , Oworonshoki axis , venue of planned protest by the community over demolition of their property by the state government, CP Jimoh disclosed that the police had made extensive deployments across strategic locations in the city, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Abdulrahman Gbadamosi area, Gbagada, and Lekki Toll Gate, to prevent any unlawful gatherings.
“We have made massive deployments since last night to ensure that no individual takes the law into their own hands or disrupts the peace that residents of Lagos are enjoying,” the Commissioner stated.
“No person or group should think it is wise to engage in acts that threaten the safety of lives and property. You can see that there is no protest anywhere in Lagos. This is Third Mainland Bridge. Look at the two sides, the traffic is going on smoothly. Everybody is going about his or her normal duty without anyone disturbing their peace.”
He emphasised that the Third Mainland Bridge, a major economic artery for Lagos and Nigeria, must not be obstructed under any guise. According to him, thousands of people, including those with medical emergencies and those engaged in daily economic activities, rely on the bridge for movement.
While reiterating that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, CP Jimoh stressed that it must follow due process and not endanger public safety.
“Anybody that wishes to organize a peaceful protest must adhere to laid down procedures,” he said. “What we have seen is not protest,but an attempt to cause disruption and public disorder. Such actions will not be tolerated.”
The recent demolition of illegal settlements in Oworonshoki, CP Jimoh maintained that the police acted within the law, noting that the areas affected were reportedly used by criminals as hideouts.
“We have raided several areas and recovered dangerous weapons. The government’s action is justified,” he explained. “Those who were genuine occupants have been compensated, and the process was even covered by the media.”
CP Jimoh warned activist, Omoyele Sowore and others he described as “mischief-makers” to stay away from Lagos, alleging that some individuals were attempting to exploit grievances for political or criminal purposes.
“Anyone hiding under the guise of activism or protest to cause mayhem will be treated as a criminal. Lagos is peaceful, and we intend to keep it that way,” he asserted.
CP Jimoh, however, reassured law-abiding residents that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
“Every Nigerian is entitled to protection, safety, and freedom of movement,” he said. “Freedom of expression is part of our democracy, but criminality will not be condoned.”
The police chief urged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear, assuring that adequate security measures are in place to maintain peace.
“ Why I won’t take the issue of blocking The Third Mainland bridge lightly is because it was built by the Federal Government( FG) with our tax prayer’s money. It is not only used by the FG , but also all citizens across the country and even foreigners.
“ We want to sign a note of warning to sowore and other miscreants like him. Protest is approved under the Nigerian law with peaceful conduct. There are places where protest can be held with good people not with destructive ones that would come and disrupt the peace of Lagos and we will not allow sowere to disturb the peace of this country. We want to urge people all around the country, that Lagos is safe; there is no protest anywhere and they can all go about their legal duties without fear. “The Third Mainland bridge is a very important place in the country, not only to Lagos state,but the interest of international and local investors. People’s interest must be protected.we have made deployment to Mary Land and other places like lekki Tollgate so they don’t take the advantage of us not being here to come out.We have the capacity and we have equipped our men to this level that we are. So I urge all Lagosians to go about their daily lives and businesses without fear.”
