Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has cautioned activist Omoyele Sowore and his supporters against staging protests over recent demolitions in parts of the state.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge, Jimoh said the police had deployed officers across strategic areas of Lagos to prevent any demonstrations that could lead to unrest or obstruct public movement.
“We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law,” the commissioner declared.
“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.”
Jimoh explained that police presence had been intensified in major parts of the city — including Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, Lekki Toll Gate, and other critical locations — to maintain peace and protect residents.
While acknowledging that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, the police chief stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly.
“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow laid-down procedures,” he said. “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.”
On the Oworonshoki demolition, which has sparked public criticism, Jimoh defended the government’s decision, insisting that the affected structures were illegal and often used as criminal hideouts.
“Those areas were being used by criminals to launch attacks on innocent Nigerians,” he explained. “The government is justified in clearing them. Genuine residents have been compensated, and this was documented and covered by the media two days ago.”
He further alleged that some individuals were trying to exploit the demolition issue for “political or criminal purposes,” warning that the police would not allow anyone to hide under the guise of activism to create chaos.
“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit crime — we will not permit that,” Jimoh warned.
The commissioner assured residents of their safety and urged them to continue with their normal activities without fear.
“Every Nigerian is entitled to protection, safety, and freedom of movement,” he said. “We will continue to ensure that Lagos remains peaceful, but criminality under the cover of protest will not be tolerated.”
