CP Jimoh Visits Owode Onirin, Denies Police Brutality, Blames Violence on Hijacked Protest

CP Jimoh Visits Owode Onirin, Denies Police Brutality, Blames Violence on Hijacked Protest

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has dismissed reports alleging police brutality during recent protests in the state, urging residents to remain vigilant against individuals exploiting civil agitation to perpetrate criminal acts.

CP Jimoh made this known during a visit to the Owode Onirin Motor Parts Market, where he met with traders and other stakeholders following a wave of protests sparked by misinformation over the demolition of structures at the market, as well as concerns surrounding Makoko and Oworoshoki communities.

The Commissioner explained that the protest which turned violent at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday was not organised by genuine victims of demolition, but by externally mobilised groups with ulterior motives aimed at destabilising the state.

“I have policed hundreds of peaceful protests in Lagos. What happened on Wednesday was clearly different and well-orchestrated to cause disruption,” CP Jimoh said.

He alleged that protest leaders, identified as Taiwo Hassan and Dele Frank, attempted to involve schoolchildren in the demonstration, describing the action as dangerous and against international best practices.

“They removed children from their schools, still in uniforms, and tried to force them into the protest. That is unacceptable and endangers their lives,” he stated.

The Police boss also raised concerns over the presence of a coffin at the protest venue, describing it as evidence of a hidden agenda. “Anyone who brings a coffin to a protest is not pursuing peace,” he added.

Addressing claims that the Lagos State Government was responsible for the demolition at Owode Onirin, CP Jimoh clarified that the destruction was carried out by a notorious land-grabber, Akeem Abiodun Ariyori, who allegedly imported armed men and police officers from Nasarawa State without authorisation.

“The suspect has been arrested. The illegal police officers involved have been detained, investigated at the Force CID, and ordered back to Lagos to face prosecution alongside the land-grabber,” he disclosed.

Reaffirming the Command’s respect for citizens’ rights, CP Jimoh said the Police would always protect peaceful protesters but would not tolerate actions capable of paralysing the state or endangering lives.

“We cannot allow people to block highways for hours, trap motorists, delay medical emergencies, and shut down the economy under the guise of protest,” he warned.

Responding to allegations of brutality, the Commissioner denied supervising or authorising any assault on protesters. “No rifle was fired. Nobody was shot. Arrests were made only after a truck was used to block the highway, which is a clear offence,” he explained.

CP Jimoh stressed that misinformation on social media would not deter the Police from carrying out their constitutional duties. “No land-grabber will be protected under my watch. Justice will prevail,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Owode Onirin Motor Parts Market, Mr. Abiodun Hammed, dissociated traders from the violent protest, insisting that the market is known for peaceful engagement.

“We went there peacefully, but we later realised that some people had a different agenda. What happened that day was not our usual way,” he said.

Another market leader, Mr. Abiodun Abe, recalled an earlier attack on traders by suspected thugs linked to a land-grabber, noting that police intervention restored calm.

“It was the Commissioner of Police who rescued us and ensured security in the market. Since then, we have carried on our business without disturbance,” he added.

The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, public safety, and the protection of lives and property across the state.