The Lagos State Police Command has issued a statement explaining the dispersal of sympathizers who had gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate to mourn the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad. The police’s actions were taken to prevent a recurrence of the EndSARS protests.
In a statement released on the verified Lagos State Police X (formerly Twitter) page and signed by the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, it was disclosed that an agreement had been reached between the police and the procession’s organizers not to use the Lekki Toll Gate as a gathering point. This agreement was adhered to during the procession, but some individuals later violated it by gathering at the toll gate.
Efforts to persuade the sympathizers to disperse peacefully were made by both the police and the procession organizers, but these efforts were met with defiance. The situation escalated, with all lanes leading to and from Lekki blocked, causing a traffic build-up on the expressway.
Considering past experiences and the patterns observed in the crowd, which signaled the potential for chaos and anarchy, the police decided to use tear gas as a crowd dispersal method, following the failure of verbal persuasion. Importantly, no live ammunition was fired, and the police adhered to crowd management best practices.
The Lagos State Police Command has warned that it will not tolerate any individual or group attempting to disturb the peace of the state in the wake of Mohbad’s death. Regular updates on the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death will be provided, and the police have maintained close communication with support groups advocating for #justiceforMohbad.
The ongoing investigation into the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba is progressing well, and the police have requested that the general public avoid creating unnecessary distractions and allow the authorities to conduct a conclusive and timely investigation.
In conclusion, the Lagos State Police Command expressed appreciation to the procession organizers for their cooperation and affirmed its commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of all Lagosians. The peaceful procession, held in honor of Mohbad, was marred by the incident of tear gas dispersal.
Punch reported that fans and supporters of the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad, were allegedly dispersed with tear gas at the Lekki Tollgate during a candlelight procession held in his memory.
