Lagos Police Denies Arrest of Peaceful Protesters – Rights Monitors
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The police in Lagos State have dismissed reports accusing it of arrest and locking up of peaceful protesters in Ajeromi-Ifelodun area of Lagos State
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The Lagos State Police Command enjoins Lagos residents to disregard the story as officers and men under the stewardship of the present CP, will continue to be professional and uphold the rule of law at all times
The office of the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) was contacted on Wednesday 25th of January, 2023 by some concerned Nigerians to report that some Lagosians peacefully protesting against outrageous electricity bills in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area in Lagos State were arrested by the Police.
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Rights Monitors news later gathered that the protesters were arrested by the policemen from Tolu Police station.
It was gathered that the protesters, including activists and residents, organised themselves to protest peacefully against what they described as crazy bills.
Those allegedly arrested included the secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the Socialist Party of Nigeria, SPN, Moshood Adebola Oshunfurewa and nine others making ten in number.
The Public Relations Officer of Lagos state police command, Benjamin Hundeyin however in his response as gathered by Rights Monitors maintained that the protesters were not arrested for engaging in peaceful protest, but arrested for attacking electricity workers and disturbance of public peace.
“They were not arrested for protesting. They were arrested for attacking electricity workers and disturbing public peace. They will be prosecuted in accordance with the law”
The secretary of the Socialist Party of Nigeria SPN, Moshood Adebola Oshunfurewa who spoke with the Executive Director of Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak said though the ten people arrested on Wednesday were all later released on Thursday, but on the later instruction from the Eko DISCO Manager who earlier instructed their arrest.
Many families and bodies intervened and protested the unlawful arrest including the Coalition for Affordable and Regular Electricity (CARE).
Further meetings are however in arrangements with the Eko DISCO Manager to ensure final and permanent solution to the residents grievances and this include provision of prepaid metres to all
