The Lagos State Police Command has denied using live bullet on protesters who gathered at Lekki Toll Gate for the candle light procession organized for Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, aka Mohbad whose tragic death occurred recently.
According to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, “Not a single life was lost and no live ammunition was fired! The police adopted crowd management best practices in engaging the unruly crowd…neither was there injury.”
He explained that the command had an agreement with the organizer of the candle light procession that it was going to end at 8pm latest and should terminate at Muri Okunola, Victoria Island.
“It was clearly stated for avoidance of doubt that in the interest of all Lagosians and considering the heavy use of the Lekkk-Epe Expressway, the Lekki Toll Gate would be no-go area,” Hundeyin also added.
“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,” stated Hundeyin.
He added that after observing that there was violation of the laid down rule, the police invited the organisers who joined in persuading the people at toll gate, sending messages on the social media that the gathering was not a protest but a procession, but all appeal fell on deaf ears.
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“At this time all lanes in and out of Lekki had been totally blocked, as vehicular movement was brought to a standstill leading to traffic gridlock,” he said.
SP Hundeyin disclosed that it was on this grounds that the police resorted to using teargas which was the least harmful method of crowd dispersal.
However, the police appreciates the organizers of the procession in keeping faith with the Command, assuring all supporters of the #justiceforMohbad and Lagosians at large that it would continue to prioritise their safety and security at all times.
