The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has cautioned activist Omoyele Sowore and others against mobilising demonstrations in response to the recent demolitions carried out in the state.
Addressing journalists on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge, Jimoh stated that the command had made massive security deployments across Lagos to prevent any protests that could degenerate into public disorder. He stressed that the police would not tolerate any attempt to obstruct major highways or disturb the relative peace being maintained in the state.
“We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law,” Jimoh said. “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.”
The police commissioner disclosed that officers had been stationed at critical locations across the state, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, Lekki Toll Gate, and other strategic areas, to maintain peace and security.
While acknowledging that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, Jimoh emphasised that such activities must adhere to due process and must not infringe on the rights of others.
“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow laid-down procedures,” he stated. “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.”
Commenting on the recent demolition in Oworonshoki, Jimoh defended the government’s actions, describing the affected structures as illegal and often used by criminals as 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 accused certain individuals of attempting to exploit the demolition exercise for political or criminal motives, stressing that the police would not allow anyone to use activism as a cover to incite unrest.
“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit crime. We will not permit that,” Jimoh declared.
The police commissioner assured Lagos residents of adequate protection and urged them to continue their daily 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.”
What you should know
Mr. Olohundare Jimoh currently serves as the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, where he oversees law enforcement operations across Nigeria’s busiest city.
His recent warning to activist Omoyele Sowore comes amid growing public tension over government demolitions in parts of Lagos. Sowore, a well-known human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has often mobilised citizens to protest against perceived injustices.
The police stance underscores their determination to prevent unrest, especially around sensitive economic areas like the Third Mainland Bridge, while maintaining that lawful, peaceful demonstrations remain constitutionally protected in Nigeria.
