The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports
linking its officers to attacks and misconduct during the recent demolition
exercise in Oworonshoki, describing the allegations as “false and mischievous.”
In a statement signed by spokesperson Abimbola
Adebisi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Command said its
personnel acted lawfully and professionally throughout the operation.
“The reports (attacks) are entirely false and
mischievously published to mislead the public,” the Command stated via its
official X handle on Sunday.
According to the statement, the demolition was carried
out by the Lagos State Department of Urban Development and Planning in
collaboration with the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special
Offences.
It explained that the exercise followed “several
months of official notices served on both legal and illegal occupants” and that
compensation was paid to affected residents before the operation commenced.
“The constitutional duty of the Police is the
protection of life and property, including the lives of public officials at
every level of government while carrying out their lawful duties,” the Command
said.
“The presence of Police personnel during the demolition exercise was purely to
prevent any breakdown of law and order.”
The Command further clarified that its officers were
under strict instructions to act with professionalism, restraint, and
respect for human rights, stressing that no officer participated in
violence, harassment, or collaboration with hoodlums.
“Police officers were only deployed to maintain peace
and ensure the exercise was conducted safely,” the statement added.
Falana Faults Lagos Government
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate
of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has accused the Lagos State Government of
violating a valid court order restraining it from further demolitions in
Oworonshoki.
Falana said that despite an injunction granted by Justice
A.G. Balogun of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, on October 23, 2025,
government officials allegedly carried out midnight demolitions in defiance of
the court’s directive.
According to him, the order—duly served on the
defendants—was ignored as officials “mobilised over 50 armed policemen and
thugs to the area.”
He described the action as “gross contempt and
flagrant disobedience of the court.”
The Lagos State Police Command, however, reiterated
its commitment to protecting lives and property while supporting lawful
government policies aimed at promoting peace and urban renewal.
It also appealed for continued public cooperation with
law enforcement agencies to maintain order across the state.
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