(DDM) – The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that a lone protester, Mr. Declan Ihekaire, who staged a demonstration in Iyana Ipaja demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was not detained and was allowed to leave peacefully.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Ihekaire carried out the protest without causing any disruption to public order.
The police emphasized that security operatives intervened only to prevent external elements from hijacking the demonstration and turning it violent.
In a statement issued by the command, police spokesperson noted, “Teargas was used to disperse miscreants and hoodlums who attempted to hijack the protest and create chaos among innocent residents in the area.
Ihekaire was cautioned to operate within the law and ensure that he did not provoke violence or disturb the peace. He was subsequently allowed to go.”
The police further explained that the Show of Force Exercise, led by the Commissioner of Police, remains active throughout Lagos State.
The initiative is aimed at maintaining public confidence in law enforcement while ensuring that citizens can conduct lawful business activities and peaceful demonstrations without fear.
DDM reports that the lone protest comes amid a series of demonstrations across Nigeria calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021 despite several court orders for his release.
In recent days, protests led by civil society groups and activists, including Omoyele Sowore, have taken place in Abuja, Lagos, and other cities, drawing attention to the perceived violation of constitutional rights.
Observers noted that the restraint displayed by Lagos police in handling Ihekaire’s protest contrasts with reports from other states where security operatives allegedly used tear gas and live ammunition against larger groups of demonstrators, raising concerns about the selective application of force.
Human rights advocates have urged Nigerian authorities to respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and assembly, reminding the government that peaceful protests are protected under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution.
They argued that such protests provide a legitimate avenue for Nigerians to voice grievances and demand accountability.
The police also reassured Lagos residents that the state remains calm and secure, emphasizing that the ongoing Show of Force Exercise is meant to deter crime and ensure safety across the city.
Citizens were encouraged to carry out lawful activities while complying with regulations designed to prevent disruptions and maintain peace.
DDM gathered that while the protest was small, the police action in Lagos demonstrates a measured approach, which many analysts suggest could serve as a model for handling peaceful demonstrations nationwide.