Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has cautioned former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, against protesting on the Third Mainland Bridge over the recent demolition of buildings in Oworonshoki, warning that such actions would be met with the full force of the law.

Jimoh issued the warning on Monday, October 27, in a press conference at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge following rumors that there was a planned protest over the demolition.

“We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law,” the police chief issued the warning to the activist.

According to him, the command has deployed security across strategic locations in Lagos to prevent any planned demonstrations that could lead to public disorder or traffic disruption.

He described the Third Mainland Bridge as a critical national infrastructure that must not be tampered with, stressing that blocking such a major route would endanger lives and cripple economic activities.

“The Third Mainland Bridge is too vital to the Nigerian economy and the safety of lives and property for anyone to think of blocking it. Every day, thousands of people depend on that route for their livelihood and medical emergencies,” he said.

The CP noted that officers had been stationed at key flash points, including Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, Lekki Toll Gate, and other sensitive areas to maintain law and order.

While acknowledging that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, Jimoh stressed that protests must adhere to due process and must not infringe on the rights of others.

“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow laid down procedures. What we have seen in recent times are not protests but deliberate attempts to disrupt public peace. Anyone who engages in such will be dealt with according to the law,” he warned.