The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday intervened to restore law and order following a violent protest that paralysed major roads in Ikeja and Alausa for several hours.
The protesters, who converged at the Ikeja Under Bridge, blocked the entire stretch of Awolowo Road leading to Alausa while carrying a coffin and engaging in actions that triggered widespread public disturbance. The unlawful blockade prevented residents with medical emergencies from accessing hospitals, while travellers heading to the airport through Awolowo Way were also stranded.
According to the Police, officers deployed to the scene exercised restraint despite being confronted by violent conduct from the group. The Command said its primary responsibility was to protect lives and property and ensure that law-abiding Lagosians could go about their lawful activities without fear or obstruction.
The situation reportedly escalated as the protesters forcefully denied motorists and pedestrians free passage, creating panic and trauma across the Ikeja and Alausa axis. There were reports of sick individuals fainting in their vehicles, while many residents scampered for safety due to the chaos deliberately created by the group.
Upon reaching the Lagos State House of Assembly, the police detachment prevented the protesters from breaching the Assembly’s gate and surging into the complex. Five members of the House reportedly came out to address the protesters, offering dialogue and assuring them that their grievances would be communicated to the appropriate authorities. However, the appeal was rejected as the protesters went on to barricade the highway in front of the Assembly, further restricting movement within Alausa.
The Police identified the arrowhead of the protest as Taiwo Hassan, also known as “Soweto,” who allegedly directed protesters to sit on the public highway, effectively shutting down the road. At that point, the Police said they had no option but to apply minimum force, including the use of teargas, to disperse the crowd and reopen the road. Normalcy was subsequently restored, with the Command confirming that no death or injury was recorded during the operation.
Following the incident, Taiwo Hassan and Dele Frank were arrested for offences including conspiracy, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, incitement of disorder, threatening violence, and unlawful obstruction of traffic under the Criminal Law of Lagos State. A white Toyota Canta vehicle fitted with multiple loudspeakers and two generators, allegedly used to block the road, was recovered as an exhibit, along with the coffin carried by the protesters.
The Lagos State Police Command maintained that all actions taken during the operation were lawful and aimed solely at protecting public safety and order. While reaffirming the constitutional right of citizens to protest and express themselves, the Command stressed that such rights must be exercised peacefully and without inflicting hardship on the general public.
Investigations into the roles played by the arrested protest leaders are ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, and the suspects are expected to be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.