Lagos Police: We Shall Enforce Court Order Restricting Protests to Two Locations

The Lagos Police Command has pledged to enforce a court order limiting the nationwide protests against hunger and economic hardships to two specific locations in the state.

On Tuesday, a Lagos High Court granted an ex parte application filed by the state’s attorney general, restricting the August 1 protest in Lagos to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and the Peace Park in Ketu.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Lagos Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade assured residents of their safety during the protest. The statement, signed by Lagos police public relations officer Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the receipt of the court order and affirmed that the police would enforce it.

“The Command has received an order from a court of competent jurisdiction restricting peaceful public protests, rallies, processions, and meetings to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road, Ojota, and Peace Park, Ketu, from 8 am to 6 pm on August 1-10, 2024. The Nigeria Police Force, as a law enforcement agency, will duly enforce this order,” the statement read.

The police encouraged Lagosians to continue their daily lawful activities, emphasizing that measures have been implemented to ensure their protection.

The full statement, titled “POLICE COMMITTED TO PEACEFUL PROTESTS, ABHOR VIOLENCE AND BREAKDOWN OF LAW AND ORDER,” reiterated the police’s commitment to maintaining a peaceful environment and protecting the fundamental human rights of all citizens, including freedom of movement and dignity.

It assured the public that the Command had put in place necessary measures to ensure the safety of lives and property, smooth traffic flow, and a peaceful environment for lawful activities. The statement also emphasized the Command’s responsibility to prevent any person or group from infringing on the rights of others.

The police called on all intending protesters to adhere to the security arrangements at the designated locations, designed to prevent any disruption of law and order and to ensure effective coordination of security measures. Additionally, the public was urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or the Command’s control room at 0806 515 4338 and 0806 329 9264.

Commissioner Fayoade reassured peace-loving Lagosians that they could carry out their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation, highlighting the strategic deployment of security assets to guarantee their safety and security.

SP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, mipra

Police Public Relations Officer

Lagos State Command

Ikeja.