According to the police, an agreement was reached with the organizers of the candlelight procession, stating that the procession would conclude by 8 pm at Muri Okunola, Victoria Island. It was explicitly mentioned that the Lekki Toll Gate would be off-limits due to the heavy traffic on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, in the interest of all Lagosians.
However, it was disconcerting to observe that after the procession ended as agreed at Muri Okunola park, some individuals began gathering at the Lekki Toll Gate with intentions unrelated to the #justiceforMohbad initiative.
Considering this clear violation of the agreement, the Lagos State Police Command invited the procession organizers to join the officers on the ground in persuading the people at the toll gate to disperse peacefully. The organizers also took to social media, urging everyone to go home and clarifying that it was not a protest but a successfully concluded procession. Despite hours of persuasion and appeals, both the police and organizers faced defiance in words and actions. As a result, all lanes in and out of Lekki were completely blocked, causing a significant traffic buildup on the expressway.
Based on past experiences, lessons learned, and careful observation of the crowd's behavior, the police recognized early warning signs of potential chaos and anarchy. In line with their mandate to protect life and property, maintain law and order, and prevent crimes, the police resorted to the least harmful method of crowd dispersal after verbal persuasion failed – the use of tear gas. Importantly, no live ammunition was fired, and the police followed crowd management best practices to engage the unruly crowd. There were no reported casualties or injuries.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, issued a stern warning to mischief-makers, emphasizing that anyone found disturbing the peace of the state, regardless of their guise, would be promptly arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The Lagos State Police Command expressed gratitude to the procession organizers for their cooperation and assured all supporters of #justiceforMohbad and Lagosians at large that their safety and security would remain a top priority.
Meanwhile, the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Ilerioluwa Aloba is progressing well. The public is urged to avoid creating unnecessary distractions and provide the Command with a stable internal security space to conduct a conclusive and timely investigation.
It is worth noting that the Lagos State Police Command has been closely and regularly collaborating with all meaningful support groups of #justiceforMohbad, as promised. This synergy will continue, and the general public will be continually updated on the progress of the investigation.
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