By Akinwale Kasali
24 hours to the memorial of the #EndSARS protest that shut down the nation last year over the inhuman treatment, extra judicial killings, abuse of fundamental human rights, extortion and Police brutality of Nigerians by the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has banned all forms of protest in the State.
Contrary to the viral reports on social media that the Lagos State Police boss has rescinded his decision and given a go ahead for the #ENDSARS memorial protests in the state, he banned it.
Odumosu described the reports as mischievous and an attempt to plunge the State into unnecessary chaos, having been quoted to have endorsed plans by youths to stage anniversary protest in memory of victims of the violence that preceded last October’s mass movement.
Debunking the claims, Odumosu said the position of the Police banning all forms of protests was still in order, urging residents to disregard the falsehood.
He said: “It is false and mischievous. At no time did I say that #ENDSARS protests are allowed to hold. Our position against protests for the mow still stands. We will issue a statement on that soon.”
It would be recalled that Odumosu had kicked against any such protests, warning it would use all lawful means to prevent “misguided elements” from disrupting the peace and serenity currently being enjoyed in the state.
Adekunle Ajisebutu, the State Police Public Relation Officer and Spokesperson said the command had credible intelligence on clandestine plans by some youths, individuals or groups to embark on protest in commemoration of one year anniversary of ENDSARS.
He said: “Lagosians and indeed Nigerians cannot afford to relive the distasteful experience of last year protest which caused pain, anguish, needless loss of lives and wanton destruction of public and private property.
“In view of the volatility of the present situations in the country, and the breakdown of law and order which the planned protest might cause, the Lagos State Police Command sternly warns against any form of protest today.
“The Command wishes to use this medium to warn the youths, groups, or associations planning such protest to jettison the idea forthwith. The police in the state will not fold their arms and allow some misguided elements disrupt the peace and serenity currently being enjoyed in the state.
“To forestall breakdown of law and order, the police will use all legitimate means within their constitutional powers to suppress the planned protest.
“Therefore, parents and guardians are advised to warn their children against participating in the planned protest. Individuals or groups sponsoring such protest are also warned in their own interest to desist from such unpatriotic plan or face the full weight or wrath of the law,” he said.
He, however, assured all law-abiding residents that adequate and additional security measures have been taken to protect them from harassment or intimidation, urging them to go about their legitimate duties.
