Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command on Monday fired teargas to disperse protesters who had gathered in the Oworonshoki area to demonstrate against the recent demolition of residential buildings by the Lagos State Government.
The protesters, largely displaced residents and members of civil rights groups, accused the government of pulling down their houses without prior notice.
They had gathered to demand justice and urgent intervention to address what they described as “unlawful and inhumane demolitions.”
Among those present at the demonstration was former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who joined the rally organised by the Take It Back (TIB) Movement in solidarity with the affected residents.
Police Disperse Protesters Shortly After Sowore’s Arrival
Tension heightened moments after Sowore arrived at the protest venue, as police operatives reportedly fired teargas canisters into the crowd to disperse demonstrators.
Witnesses said the crowd scattered in panic as officers moved in to enforce an earlier directive by the state police authorities prohibiting public gatherings in the area.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, had earlier warned against staging protests over the demolition, citing security concerns and the need to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
According to reports, police personnel were deployed pre-emptively to Oworonshoki to ensure compliance with the directive.
However, addressing journalists at the scene, Sowore accused Commissioner Jimoh of issuing direct orders for his arrest and obstruction.
“The CP has directed the policemen to stop me at all costs,” he alleged, condemning what he described as a continued attempt by the authorities to silence peaceful activism.
Sowore’s Recent Detention and Bail
Monday’s incident comes barely weeks after Sowore was released from the Kuje Correctional Facility following his arrest during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
He had been detained alongside Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Prince Emmanuel Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu’s brother), and eleven others.
They were arraigned before Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id on charges of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace.
The court granted them bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with strict conditions — including verified National Identification Numbers (NINs), three-year tax clearance certificates, and the surrender of their international passports.
After meeting these bail requirements, Sowore and the others were released from custody.
Background: Demolitions Spark Widespread Outrage
The Lagos State Government recently launched a demolition exercise in parts of Oworonshoki, citing environmental and structural safety concerns.
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Affected residents, however, insist they were not served official notices and have accused the government of displacing hundreds of families without providing relocation alternatives.
Civil society organisations, including the Take It Back Movement, argue that the demolition represents a violation of human rights and due process.
Monday’s protest was meant to draw attention to their plight before it was forcefully dispersed by police.
Next Steps and Reactions
As of press time, the Lagos Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the use of teargas or confirm whether any arrests were made during the protest.
Human rights observers have called on the state government and police authorities to respect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, even amid public order concerns.
