The Lagos State Police Command has placed all its commanders and officers on alert ahead of a planned nationwide protest slated for April 7, 2025. The command also reminded members of the public that obstructing police officers while discharging their lawful duties is a criminal offence.
A Nationwide Protest proposed by a civil group, Take-it-Back Movement, and other organizations has been slated for April 7, 2025. The core demands of the protesters include the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the end of emergency rule in Rivers State, which they describe as a form of military dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to a circular signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tijani O. Fatai, the protest is expected to draw attention to what the organisers describe as the prevailing high cost of living and government suppression of free speech. The circular reads, “Furthermore, the groups have flooded the social media platforms with narrations geared towards winning public sympathy, discrediting the government, and galvanising support for the protest. Experience has shown that criminals may want to seize the opportunity of the protest to cause mayhem, particularly to launch attacks on government facilities and opposition leaders to disrupt socio-economic activities in the State, amongst others.”
The Commissioner of Police has ordered security measures to be beefed up around critical installations and other strategic locations across the State to forestall any untoward development before, during, and after the proposed protest. The police have identified notable points of convergence for the protest, including Gani Fawehinmi Park, National Stadium, Labour House, Yaba, and several other locations.
In a related development, the state police command has said that obstructing police officers while discharging their lawful duties is a criminal offence. The state PPRO, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, made this statement following a viral video incident at Omole Estate in the Ojodu area of the state, where the estate’s security personnel were seen preventing uniformed police officers from gaining access into the estate to enforce the law, prevent crime, and ensure security and safety.
Hundeyin clarified that the police officers were clearly personnel on escort and protection duty to the state from other police detachments outside Lagos State. He emphasized the need to sensitize the public that hampering police officers in line of duty is indeed a criminal offence. The state Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, expressed his disappointment as the management of Omole Estate did not report the incident to the police.
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