Lagos Police Clarify Actions During Protest, Reaffirm Security at Owode Onirin Market

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has provided clarification on the police response to a recent protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, saying the intervention was aimed at preventing threats to public safety and maintaining law and order.
The Commissioner gave the explanation during an engagement with traders and stakeholders at the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market, following concerns raised over both the protest and previous security incidents affecting the market.
Mr. Jimoh said although the police respect the right of citizens to peaceful protest, the demonstration in question deviated from acceptable conduct when organisers allegedly involved school children and exposed them to danger during the march from the Ikeja underbridge toward the State Assembly complex. He noted that the presence of minors in school uniforms during the protest raised serious safety and ethical concerns.
According to the Commissioner, the situation further escalated when protesters were allegedly found in possession of a coffin, an act he described as inconsistent with peaceful demonstration and indicative of possible violent intentions. He identified Mr. Taiwo Hassan and Mr. Dele Frank as individuals linked to the organisation of the protest.
Mr. Jimoh stated that despite reported harassment, attacks on officers, and prolonged obstruction of major roads, the police exercised restraint. He said officers did not deploy live ammunition and only used tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore free movement after commuters were stranded and some reportedly fell ill due to prolonged gridlock.
On the controversy surrounding the demolition of shops at Owode Onirin Market, the Commissioner clarified that the action was not carried out by the Lagos State Government. He said investigations revealed the involvement of an alleged land grabber, Mr. Akeem Abiodun Ariori, who has since been arrested. Mr. Jimoh added that police officers unlawfully brought into Lagos State from outside the command were also arrested for violating directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
He disclosed that the case was referred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where the affected officers were investigated by the Force Criminal Investigation Department before being returned to Lagos for disciplinary action and prosecution. The Commissioner assured that the matter would be pursued to its logical conclusion.
Mr. Jimoh also acknowledged the role of human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana, whose engagement, alongside community leaders, helped promote dialogue and calm within the market community.
He assured traders that the Lagos State Police Command has since maintained continuous security presence at Owode Onirin Market to ensure the safety of traders and uninterrupted business activities.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, the Chairman of the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market, Mr. Abiodun Ahmed, commended the Commissioner for visiting the market and for the security support provided before, during, and after the protest. He said the traders had a history of peaceful engagement and described the disruption during the last protest as the work of individuals pursuing interests unrelated to the market.
Another stakeholder, Mr. Lekan Akinpelu Mohammed, said the Commissioner’s intervention helped prevent possible retaliatory violence and destruction of property following the killing of some traders. He added that the continued police presence has reassured traders and restored confidence within the market.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Lagos State Police Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while upholding citizens’ constitutional rights, including peaceful protest, warning that demonstrations must not be exploited to incite violence or public disorder.