The Lagos State chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly condemned the recent warning issued by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, against planned protests over the ongoing wave of demolitions across the state.
In a statement made available to Chronicles Reporters on Monday and signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Adetayo Babatunde Daniel, the AAC described the Commissioner’s remarks as “a brazen attempt to intimidate citizens and suppress their constitutional rights to free expression and peaceful assembly.”
Earlier on Monday, Commissioner Jimoh, while addressing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge, cautioned activist Omoyele Sowore and others against mobilising any demonstration over the controversial demolitions.
He warned that the police command had deployed personnel across Lagos to prevent what he called “unauthorised gatherings capable of disrupting public order.”
Responding swiftly, the AAC Lagos chapter lambasted the Commissioner’s comments, accusing him of acting like a spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government rather than a neutral law enforcement officer.
“We view this as a brazen attempt to intimidate and suppress the rights of Lagosians to express their grievances against the government,” the statement read.
The party condemned Jimoh for allegedly referring to residents displaced by the demolitions as “criminals” or “harbourers of criminals,” calling the accusation “baseless, cruel, and wicked.”
“Can Mr Jimoh point us to the crimes committed by victims of the demolitions? Who is investigating these alleged crimes, and where are the supposed criminals?” the AAC queried.
The AAC further criticised the Commissioner for commenting on compensation issues, saying it was inappropriate for a police officer to justify the actions of the government or discuss financial settlements.
According to the party, many affected residents have rejected what they described as an “illegal ₦500,000 compensation scheme” allegedly organised by local authorities in collaboration with the Oba of Oworonshoki and other government-linked figures.
“It is shocking that a Commissioner of Police would defend such illegality instead of protecting the people from state oppression,” the statement added.
The AAC also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of activist Omoyele Sowore, who was reportedly re-arrested and brutalised by police in Abuja last week while perfecting his bail conditions.
The party warned that it would mobilise mass demonstrations across Lagos and other states if Sowore was not released and if police intimidation continued.
“The AAC will not be silenced or intimidated. We will continue to stand with the people and fight for their rights,” the statement declared.
The party reaffirmed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and urged Lagosians to remain vigilant in demanding transparency and accountability from their leaders.
Over the past few weeks, Lagos has witnessed widespread demolitions in several communities, including Mende, Oworonshoki, Ajao Estate, and parts of Ibeju-Lekki, displacing hundreds of families and small business owners.
While the government insists the demolitions target illegal structures on drainage channels and setbacks, critics have decried them as anti-poor, arbitrary, and politically motivated.
Rights groups and civic organisations have accused the state of failing to provide adequate notice, compensation, or relocation plans for affected residents.
As of press time, neither the Lagos State Police Command nor the Lagos State Government had issued any formal response to the AAC’s statement.