Headlinenews.news | Lagos Security Desk.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has firmly dismissed allegations by some protesters that he supervised acts of torture, assault, or brutality during the recent demonstration by Maroko and Oworonsoki evictees.
The claims, widely circulated across informal social media platforms, have been described by the Police Command as exaggerated, misleading, and inconsistent with operational realities on ground.
“I did not supervise the beating of anyone,” CP Jimoh stated unequivocally, stressing that neither his personal conduct nor the structure of police crowd-control operations supports such accusations.
Security and legal analysts note that it would be institutionally implausible for a sitting Commissioner of Police — the highest-ranking police authority in Lagos — to personally direct unlawful violence in an open protest environment surrounded by civilians, journalists, and public scrutiny.
CP Jimoh explained that officers deployed at the scene acted strictly within recognised procedures for managing protests that become aggressive or disruptive.
According to the Commissioner, the protest initially began as a civil gathering but escalated when major roads were obstructed, public movement was paralysed, and tensions rose sharply.
In such circumstances, standard international policing protocol permits the controlled dispersal of violent or unlawful crowds, often through non-lethal measures such as tear gas — not firearms, torture, or deliberate assault.
“There was no open fire, no rifles discharged,” the CP clarified, noting that the police response was aimed solely at preventing disorder and protecting lives, including those of protesters themselves.
Observers point out that modern policing, especially in Lagos — a megacity of over 20 million residents — requires rapid containment of street unrest before it degenerates into stampedes, looting, or wider insecurity.
The Command further warned that allegations of brutality are frequently weaponised as public blackmail whenever law enforcement agencies intervene to restore public order during emotionally charged protests.
While citizens retain the democratic right to peaceful protest, CP Jimoh reiterated that protests must remain within the bounds of law, without endangering commuters, schoolchildren, or critical transport corridors.
He reaffirmed his commitment to professional policing, humane engagement, and accountability, insisting that Lagos officers will not be permitted to act outside lawful boundaries.
The Police Command urged the public to rely on verified investigations rather than viral narratives designed to provoke outrage and erode trust in institutions.
The National Patriots urge Nigerians to reject exaggerated propaganda and sentimental misinformation being circulated to discredit the Lagos Police Command. CP Jimoh is a disciplined, seasoned professional who would never supervise brutality or permit unlawful conduct by any officer. Standard crowd-control measures, including tear gas, were applied to restore order.
According to our independent investigations into the incident and allegations, the Police acted within the law, not outside it.
Amiida Fraser. MFR
Headlinenews.news will continue to follow developments.
