The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has cautioned activist Omoyele Sowore and others against mobilising protests in response to the recent demolition of structures in parts of the state.
Jimoh issued the warning on Monday while addressing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge, stating that the command would not tolerate any attempt to cause unrest or obstruct traffic in the state.
“We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law,” the police chief said.
“The Third Mainland Bridge is too vital to Nigeria’s economy and to the safety of lives and property for anyone to think of blocking it. Thousands of people use that route daily for work and emergencies.”
He explained that the command had deployed officers to key areas — including Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, Lekki Toll Gate, and others — to maintain peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
While acknowledging that the constitution guarantees citizens’ rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, Jimoh 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 are not protests but attempts to disrupt public peace. Anyone involved in such acts will be dealt with according to the law.”
Speaking on the recent Oworonshoki demolitions, the commissioner defended the Lagos State Government’s actions, describing the cleared structures as illegal and security threats.
“Those areas were being used by criminals to launch attacks on innocent residents,” he said.
“The government is justified in its action, and genuine residents have already been compensated — this has been properly documented and reported by the media.”
Jimoh further alleged that certain individuals were trying to exploit the situation for political or criminal purposes, warning that such moves would be resisted.
“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a criminal conspiracy, and we will not permit that,” he warned.
Reassuring Lagosians of their safety, the police commissioner urged law-abiding citizens to go about their normal activities without fear.
“Every Nigerian is entitled to protection, safety, and freedom of movement,” he said. “We will continue to ensure Lagos remains peaceful, but we will not tolerate criminality disguised as protest.”
