The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has warned activist Mr. Omoyele Sowore and others against mobilising protests over recent demolitions in the state.

Speaking to journalists at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge on Monday, Mr. Jimoh said the command had made extensive security deployments across Lagos to prevent demonstrations that could disrupt public order.

He stressed that the police would not tolerate any attempt to block major roads or disturb the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

“We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law,” he said. “The Third Mainland Bridge is too vital to the Nigerian economy and the safety of lives and property for anyone to think of blocking it. Every day, thousands of people depend on that route for their livelihood and emergencies.”

Mr. Jimoh said officers had been stationed at strategic locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, Lekki Toll Gate, and other key areas to maintain order.

While acknowledging that the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, he emphasised that protests must follow due process and not infringe on the rights of others.

“Anyone wishing to organise a peaceful protest must comply with laid-down procedures,” he said. “What we have seen recently are not peaceful protests but attempts to disrupt public peace. Such acts will be dealt with according to the law.”

Defending the government’s demolition of structures in Oworonshoki, the police commissioner described the affected areas as illegal settlements and hideouts for criminals.

“Those areas were being used by criminals to attack innocent residents,” he said. “The government’s action is justified. Genuine residents have been compensated, and this was documented and reported two days ago.”

He warned that some individuals were attempting to exploit the situation for political or criminal purposes, stressing that the police would not allow anyone to cause chaos under the guise of activism.

“Anyone hiding under activism to cause trouble is complicit in a criminal conspiracy. We will not permit that,” he said.

Mr. Jimoh assured residents of adequate protection, urging them to go about their daily activities without fear.

“Every Nigerian deserves protection, safety, and freedom of movement,” he added. “We will continue to ensure Lagos remains peaceful, but criminality disguised as protest will not be tolerated.”