The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, met with traders at the Owode Onirin Spare Parts Market on Friday 30th January ,2025, assuring them of justice following the demolition of shops last August. He clarified that the destruction was not carried out by the state government but by a suspected land grabber who has since been arrested, along with police officers brought in illegally from outside Lagos State.
The officers are undergoing disciplinary procedures, while investigations, including ballistic tests linked to reported deaths, are nearing completion. Security around the market has also been strengthened to allow business activities continue safely.
Addressing the protest that erupted in Ikeja earlier in the week, Jimoh said what began as a demonstration turned disruptive and threatened public safety after major roads were blocked for hours. He expressed concern over actions such as involving school children in the march and the display of a coffin, which he described as symbols that escalated tension rather than peaceful advocacy. The police, he said, exercised restraint and used tear gas only after prolonged gridlock caused medical emergencies and widespread disruption, stressing that no firearms were used.
The commissioner confirmed that protest organizers accused of criminal conduct were arrested and charged in court within legal timelines. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lawful protests and human rights, while warning against individuals who exploit public grievances for unrest. Traders at Owode Onirin expressed appreciation for the police support, noting that they withdrew from the protest after realizing it had shifted from their original demand for justice. They reiterated that their focus remains accountability for those affected by the demolition and the loss of lives and livelihoods.
