The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has defended the police response to a recent protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, describing the intervention as necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order and to safeguard lives and public infrastructure.
Mr. Jimoh made the clarification during a visit to the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market, where he met with traders and key stakeholders to address concerns arising from the protest and earlier incidents affecting the market.
Recalling the incident, the Commissioner said the protest, which took place on a Wednesday, deviated from established standards of peaceful demonstration.
While affirming that protest and freedom of expression are fundamental pillars of democracy, he explained that the situation escalated when organisers allegedly removed school children from their classrooms and attempted to compel them to participate in the protest.
According to him, police officers intervened after observing children in school uniforms being exposed to danger during the march from the Ikeja underbridge toward the Lagos State House of Assembly.
He said the action contravened international best practices and posed serious risks to the lives of minors.
Mr. Jimoh further disclosed that protesters, allegedly led by Mr. Taiwo Hassan and Mr. Dele Frank, were found in possession of a coffin—an act he described as indicative of violent intent rather than peaceful protest.
He said the development necessitated immediate police action in the interest of public safety.
The Commissioner stated that despite provocation, harassment, and attacks on police officers, including the prolonged obstruction of major roads, the police exercised restraint and applied minimal force.
He stressed that no live ammunition was used, adding that tear gas was deployed solely to disperse protesters and reopen blocked highways after reports that motorists and commuters were trapped in traffic and experiencing health challenges.
Addressing issues relating to Owode Onirin Market, Mr. Jimoh clarified that the demolition of shops in the area was not carried out by the Lagos State Government but by an alleged land grabber, Mr. Akeem Abiodun Ariori.
He disclosed that the suspect was arrested, alongside police officers who were unlawfully brought into Lagos State from outside the command, in violation of directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
He added that the matter was escalated to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where the affected officers were investigated by the Force Criminal Investigation Department before being returned to Lagos for disciplinary action and prosecution.
According to him, the police are committed to pursuing justice to its logical conclusion.
The Commissioner also acknowledged the intervention of human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana, noting that engagements with legal representatives and community leaders contributed to sustaining calm and constructive dialogue.
Mr. Jimoh assured traders that the Lagos State Police Command has since deployed round-the-clock security at the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market to ensure that lawful business activities continue without fear or intimidation.
Responding on behalf of the traders, the Chairman of the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market, Mr. Abiodun Ahmed, thanked the Commissioner for personally visiting the market and for the protection provided before, during, and after the protest.
He said traders had previously conducted peaceful protests without incident, adding that the disruption witnessed during the last protest was driven by individuals whose motives differed from those of the market community.
Another stakeholder, Mr. Lekan Akinpelu Mohammed, also commended the Commissioner’s intervention, noting that his presence helped avert retaliatory violence and possible destruction of the market following the killing of some traders.
He said the traders felt reassured by the police response and continued security deployment, describing the Owode Onirin market community as law-abiding citizens committed to peace and lawful engagement.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated that the Lagos State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives, property, and the constitutional rights of citizens, including the right to peaceful protest, while warning against the misuse of protests to incite violence or public disorder.
Written by Niran Odufayo