The Lagos State Police Command issued a statement today in response to recent events surrounding the dispersal of crowds at the Lekki Toll Gate on September 21, 2023.
In the statement issued by the Lagos police public relations officer, Benjamin Hundeyin,an agreement was established between the Lagos State Police Command and the organizers of a candlelight procession, stipulating that the procession would conclude no later than 8 pm at Muri Okunola, Victoria Island.
He also stated that it was explicitly mentioned that the Lekki Toll Gate area would be off-limits due to the heavy use of the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
“It, however, became disconcerting that after the procession duly ended at Muri Okunola park as agreed, with the police providing optimal security all through, some persons started gathering at the Lekki Toll Gate with intent to manifest objectives extraneous to the #justiceforMohbad initiative.
“Being a clear violation of the laid down agreement, the Lagos State Police Command invited the procession organizers who came back and joined the officers on ground in persuading the people at the toll gate to disperse peacefully.
“The organizers equally sent out messages on social media asking everyone to go home, clarifying in clear terms that it was not a protest but a procession which had been successfully concluded.
“This persuasion and appeal went on for hours, to which the police and organizers met defiance, both in words and action. At this point, all lanes in and out of Lekki had been totally blocked. Vehicular movement on the ever-busy expressway had been brought to a total standstill, leading to traffic build up.
“Having gone down this road before, having learnt from previous similar encounters, and having studied the pattern in the crowd, the red flags and early warning signs of total chaos and anarchy were discernible.”
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police warns that individuals or groups disturbing the peace in the state will face arrest and prosecution. The police command expresses gratitude to the procession organizers and reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of supporters of #justiceforMohbad and all Lagosians.
