By Latiifah Amusan
In a recent press release, the Lagos State Police Command has responded to the events at the Lekki Toll Gate on September 21, 2023, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the crowd dispersal and providing important details regarding the #justiceforMohbad initiative.
The Police Command clarified that an agreement was in place with the organizers of the candlelight procession, specifying that it should end by 8 p.m. at Muri Okunola, Victoria Island.
The Lekki Toll Gate was designated as off-limits due to heavy traffic on the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
However, after the procession concluded at Muri Okunola Park as agreed, some individuals gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate with intentions unrelated to the #justiceforMohbad cause.
This violated the agreement, leading to police intervention.
Organizers made social media appeals for attendees to disperse, emphasizing that it was not a protest but a successfully concluded procession.
Efforts to persuade the crowd continued for hours, but defiance prevailed, leading to a complete standstill of traffic on the expressway.
The police, prioritizing public safety, opted for the use of tear gas as a crowd dispersal method, with no live ammunition fired, and no injuries or fatalities reported.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, issued a stern warning to troublemakers, promising prompt arrests and prosecution.
The Command expressed gratitude to the procession organizers and pledged to prioritize the safety and security of Lagosians.
Regarding the ongoing investigation into Mr. Ilerioluwa Aloba’s death, the public was urged not to create unnecessary distractions and to allow for a thorough and timely inquiry.
The Command assured continuous communication with #justiceforMohbad support groups.
