Sanwo-Olu kicks as Lagos police arraign 34 EndSARS memorial protesters

The Police in Lagos said they have arraigned 34 persons arrested during Wednesday’s EndSARS memorial protest at the Lekki Tollgate.

The Command’s spokesperson, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the planned protest in commemoration of the one year anniversary of EndSARS was carried out by protesters who moved in motorcade through the Lekki toll gate about 8.00am, adding that they ended the protest about 10.00am.

“The protest was peaceful without threat to security except for the brief gridlock experienced by motorists during the period.

“However, at about 1130hrs after the real protesters had left peacefully without any confrontation, hoodlums took advantage of the gridlock with criminal intention to start attacking innocent law-abiding citizens.

“One Shina Edun ‘m’, of Man O’ War Nigeria attached to the Lekki Concession Company was stabbed in the stomach by the hoodlums. The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital where he is currently receiving medical attention.

“Following the criminal act of the hoodlums, the police responded swiftly and dispersed them with minimum force. Consequently, thirty-four of the hoodlums were arrested. Two cutlasses , one hammer, a Jack knife and assorted criminal charms were recovered from them.

“The arrested suspects have been arraigned in magistrate court 5, Oshodi on the same day before Magistrate Israel Adelakun for the offence of conduct likely to cause breach of the peace,” he said.

According to Ajisebutu, “at the end of their trial, two of the accused persons pleaded guilty and were fined in the sum of N10, 000 each. Thirty others pleaded not guilty and were granted bail with one surety and N20,000 in like sum.

“One of them was discharged and acquitted, while one other named Chukwu Chika ‘m’ aged 24 years, who was arrested with a sharp cutlass and assorted charms confessed that he deliberately came to cause violence and mayhem. Subsequently, the court ordered the police to carry out thorough investigation on his case and charge him to court appropriately.

“The Commissioner of Police wishes to express the Command’s profound gratitude to members of the public for their overwhelming support before, during and after the protest,” he said.

He said the CP equally rendered his apology to any media person whose right might have been inadvertently infringed upon while the security personnel were trying to prevent breakdown of law and order.

“Also, the CP assures members of the public that, in line with the policy of the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, of making the police accountable to members of the public, uphold the tenets and principles of fundamental human rights, and professional in carrying out their statutory duties, training and retraining of the officers and men shall continue to be intensified.

“The Commissioner of Police uses this medium to thank Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the State Executive Council members for their unalloyed support for security agencies during the protest.

“Equally appreciated are the youths and other stakeholders for their understanding of the prevailing peace and secure environment in the state.

“The CP notes their cooperation and assistance in not making the state witness the mayhem that characterised last year’s EndSARS protest during yesterday’s one year anniversary. Collectively we shall continue to make the state safer and more peaceful.

“In order to achieve the above, the Command on its own, has resolved to redouble its efforts in providing watertight security and protection of lives and property of all law-abiding citizens in the state,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu has ordered the immediate release of some youths arrested by the police over their participation in a drive-through EndSARS memorial protest at the Lekki Tollgate on Wednesday.

The exception, however, are those caught with dangerous weapons at the scene.

“Yesterday (Wednesday), we saw a protest in Lagos and everybody that was arrested in connection with the protest have all been released, except an individual that was caught with dangerous weapons and who confessed to the police that he joined the protest to cause mayhem,” the governor said.

He commended the police for being alive with its responsibility to identify and isolate troublemakers from among law-abiding people who conduct themselves in line with the laws.

Sanwo-Olu, again, extended a hand of fellowship to the youth to be stakeholders in the development of the state, while reiterating his commitment to reconciliation.