It was gathered by Hobnob News reports that the Lagos State Police Command has issued a statement addressing the controversy surrounding the dispersal of crowds at the Lekki Toll Gate during a procession for #justiceforMohbad on September 21, 2023.
According to the statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, “The police had previously reached an agreement with the organizers of the candlelight procession. The agreement stipulated that the procession would conclude by 8 pm and would terminate at Muri Okunola in Victoria Island. It was explicitly stated that, due to the heavy use of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, the Lekki Toll Gate area would be off-limits.
However, after the procession ended at Muri Okunola park as planned, some individuals gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate with intentions that deviated from the #justiceforMohbad initiative. This violated the agreed-upon terms.
The Lagos State Police Command engaged the procession organizers, who returned to help persuade the crowd to disperse peacefully. Messages were also circulated on social media clarifying that it was not a protest but a successfully concluded procession. Despite these efforts, some individuals remained defiant, leading to the total blockage of all lanes in and out of Lekki, causing severe traffic congestion on the expressway”- The statement read in part
The Commissioner therefore, warned that any person or group disturbing the peace of the state would be promptly arrested and prosecuted.Hundeyin also expressed appreciation for the procession organizers for cooperating with the Command and thereby promised that the ongoing investigation into the death of Mr. Ilerioluwa Aloba, would be thoroughly done and assured the public of regular updates on the investigation’s progress.
