Lagos State Police declared the 4th #EndSARS memorial protest illegal, dispersing demonstrators at the Lekki toll gate on October 20, 2024. Police Commissioner Olanrewaju Ishola stated that the protest lacked official clearance, emphasizing the importance of following legal procedures for public gatherings to avoid disruptions in the city.
Demonstrators gathered at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, which aimed to honor victims of police brutality. However, the Lagos State Police Command declared the gathering illegal.
Police Commissioner Olanrewaju Ishola stated that the protesters had failed to seek official clearance before organizing the event. He emphasized the necessity for citizens to adhere to legal procedures when exercising their rights, asserting that any assembly not sanctioned by the police would not be permitted.
In response to the planned protest, police operatives were deployed across strategic locations in Lagos to prevent any disruptions. Ishola noted that the police had been monitoring social media for information regarding the gathering and were prepared to manage any potential unrest.
While the Commissioner acknowledged the constitutional rights of individuals to protest, he stressed the importance of maintaining law and order. "We are not averse to anybody exercising their fundamental rights, but the law of the land must be upheld," he explained.
The heavy police presence aimed to ensure that there were no disturbances during the day. Despite the protests being a significant part of recent Nigerian history, the police remain firm in their stance against unauthorized gatherings, prioritizing state security above all.
