Nine suspects arrested in Lagos not protesters—CP

The Lagos State Police Command has debunked reports that individuals arrested on Wednesday at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, were participating in a protest.

According to the Commissioner of Police, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, the arrests were made as part of proactive efforts to maintain public order, targeting those whose actions were deemed provocative and aimed at causing unrest.

This was contained in a Thursday statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, titled, “Arrested Persons Not Protesters—CP Ishola.”

According to the statement, the police had met with protest organisers on Friday, September 27, 2024, to discuss the planned protest for Nigeria’s Independence Day, October 1.

“The protest organisers cooperated with the police, gave assurances to be peaceful and of good behaviour, mentioned their route, and informed the police that the protest was for October 1, 2024, only,” the Commissioner stated.

The protest took place as scheduled, with adequate police presence ensuring a peaceful demonstration.

However, on October 2, a day after the officially approved protest, a group of individuals was apprehended at the same park.

“It is on the strength of the foregoing that the command, in good time, swooped on people masquerading as protesters at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota. Their conduct is not only inciting but tantamount to fomenting trouble,” Ishola clarified.

“Among those arrested were Funmi Robert (60), Sunday Obasoro (24), Sikiru Adeagbo (41), Babatunde Oyeleye (32), Akin Okunowo (50), Dare Toyin (21), Adebayo Shobogun (37), Michael Adeleke (23), and Stanley Akonye (42). A Toyota pickup, with registration number SRA 813 XB, was also impounded.

“The suspects are facing charges of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and will be arraigned accordingly,” the statement further read.

Reiterating the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety, the PPRO stated, “The command assures all Lagosians that it would not relent in taking all steps necessary towards ensuring their optimum safety and security.”

This development comes as part of heightened security measures in the state to prevent any breach of public order following the Independence Day protests.