The police have committed to enforcing a court order that restricts protests to specific areas during the planned nationwide demonstrations.
Daily Gazette reports that many Nigerians, particularly young people, have organized protests starting August 1 due to rising costs, despite government attempts to address the issue.
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Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, met with some of the protest organizers, urging them to confine their demonstrations to designated areas, but the organizers rejected this proposal.
As the protests approached, courts in various states, including Kwara, Ogun, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), issued orders confining the protesters to specific venues.
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In Lagos, Police Public Relations Officer SP Benjamin Hundeyin stated that the order would be enforced.
“The command has received an order from a court of competent jurisdiction restricting peaceful public protest, rallies, procession and meetings to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road, Ojota Lagos and Peace Park, Ketu, Lagos from 8 am to 6 pm on 1st – 10th August, 2024. The Nigeria Police Force, as a law enforcement agency, shall duly enforce this order,” Hundeyin said.
The police assured that maximum security would be provided at the designated locations and urged protesters to comply with the security arrangements to prevent any breakdown of law and order or hijacking of the protests.
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Residents were also advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, reassured the public that measures were in place to ensure the safety of lives and property, free flow of traffic, and a peaceful environment for lawful activities.
“The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni has assured Lagosians that the Command has emplaced necessary measures to ensure safety of lives and property, free flow of traffic and a peaceful environment for carrying out their respective lawful duties,” the statement read.
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The police emphasized that no individual or group would be allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others, including freedom of movement and dignity.
