Headlinenews.news | Lagos Security Desk.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has issued a firm rebuttal to allegations of brutality and torture levelled against him by two protest leaders, Taiwo Hassan and Dele Frank, following demonstrations linked to the Makoko demolitions and Oworonsoki evictions.
In a widely circulated video address, the Commissioner insisted that neither he nor any officer under his command engaged in unlawful violence, stressing that no rifle was fired, no live ammunition was deployed, and no life was lost.
Makoko: Years of Dialogue and Safety Concerns
CP Jimoh explained that the Makoko floating settlement has been under sustained engagement with the Lagos State Government for over five years due to serious environmental and safety risks.
He noted that parts of the community are located beneath high-voltage national grid transmission lines, exposing families and children to extreme danger.
He referenced public health concerns associated with long-term habitation near such high-voltage infrastructure, including tumour-related risks, and described the conditions as unsafe and inhumane.
According to the Commissioner, demolitions and evictions in such zones are not arbitrary but driven by developmental and environmental necessity as directed by the state authorities.
Police Protection for Lawful Protest.
The CP reaffirmed that the Lagos Police Command has consistently protected peaceful protesters, even from Makoko on previous occasions exercising their constitutional right to lawful assembly, including previous engagements at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
However, he stressed that the right to protest must remain peaceful and cannot extend to actions that disrupt public order or endanger others.
Protest Escalation and Public Disorder.
The Commissioner said the recent protest shifted from lawful expression to aggression when the two leaders allegedly blocked a major Ikeja route leading to the Lagos State Secretariat and House of Assembly — a key corridor used daily by millions of motorists, ambulances, schoolchildren, traders, firefighters and commercial transport operators.
He further alleged that schoolchildren in uniform were drawn into the march under the hot sun, while protesters became violent, forcing compliance and threatening public peace.
Such conduct, police authorities note, falls outside lawful protest and constitutes obstruction and breach of public order under Nigeria’s criminal and public safety regulations.
Tear Gas, Not Gunfire.
CP Jimoh stated that standard non-lethal crowd-control procedures were applied, including the use of tear gas, which is internationally recognised for dispersing violent gatherings.
He alleged that officers were assaulted and attempts were made to disarm personnel, leading to arrests.
Claims that someone was shot, he said, were blackmail designed to gain sympathy, challenging accusers to provide evidence — which did not emerge.
Owode Onirin Demolition Clarification.
Addressing the Owode Onirin market demolition, CP Jimoh clarified that the Lagos State Government had no involvement. He identified the alleged land grabber as Hakeem Abiodun Ariyori, who reportedly carried out the demolition of shops and businesses, resulting in multi-billion naira losses for traders.
The CP stated that Ariyori allegedly recruited police escorts from outside Lagos in defiance of the Inspector-General’s directive banning escorts for land grabbers.
Officers involved have been arrested and investigations are ongoing, with prosecution expected.
CP Jimoh’s response portrays a Command committed to lawful restraint, accountability and the protection of Lagos residents amid sensitive urban enforcement challenges.
The National Patriots commend CP Jimoh’s lawful restraint and professionalism. Nigerians must reject propaganda and blackmail narratives. The Police acted responsibly, using standard measures to protect lives, order and public safety.
Dr. G. Fraser. MFR.
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