The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has cautioned politician and publisher, Omoyele Sowore and others planning to mobilise protests over recent demolitions in the state, warning that any attempt to disrupt public peace will be firmly resisted.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at Iyana-Oworo, near the Third Mainland Bridge, Jimoh said the command had made massive deployments across strategic locations to prevent unrest and safeguard residents.
“We are aware of plans by certain individuals, including Sowore, to mobilise protests under the guise of activism. Let me be clear—Lagos will not tolerate any act that threatens public order,” the police chief said. “The Third Mainland Bridge is too important to the nation’s economy and public safety for anyone to think of blocking it.”
According to him, operatives have been stationed at key points including Ojota, Maryland, Gbagada, Bariga, Gani Fawehinmi Park, and the Lekki Toll Gate to ensure peace and order.
While acknowledging citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful protest, Jimoh stressed that such actions must comply with established procedures and must not infringe on the rights of others.
“What we have seen recently are not peaceful protests but attempts to incite chaos. Anyone found culpable will be treated as a criminal, not an activist,” he warned.
On the recent Oworonshoki demolition, Jimoh defended the state government’s actions, describing the affected areas as illegal structures that had become hideouts for criminals.
“Those areas were being used to launch attacks on innocent Nigerians. The government acted lawfully, and genuine residents have been compensated,” he said.
He further accused some individuals of trying to exploit the situation for political or criminal gain, warning that the police would not allow any form of disorder under the cover of activism.
“Anyone hiding under the banner of protest to cause mayhem is part of a criminal conspiracy. We will not allow that,” he declared.
The commissioner assured Lagos residents of their safety, urging them to go about their normal activities without fear.
“Lagos is peaceful, and it will remain so,” he said. “We will protect the rights of law-abiding citizens, but criminality disguised as protest will not be tolerated.”