Lagos Police Disperse Violent Protesters at Alausa, Arrest ‘Soweto’ and One Other
The Lagos State Police Command has restored calm to the Ikeja and Alausa areas after a day of serious public disruption caused by a group of violent protesters who blocked major roads in the state capital.
The unrest led to the arrest of two principal suspects, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as “Soweto,” and Dele Frank. Both are currently being investigated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti.
According to the police, the protest, which began at the Ikeja Under Bridge, escalated when demonstrators carrying a coffin barricaded key routes, including Awolowo Road and House of Assembly Way, effectively paralysing movement in the area.
The Command said the blockade had severe consequences for members of the public. Reports indicated that sick individuals were stranded in traffic, with some fainting in vehicles as ambulances and private cars were prevented from accessing hospitals. International travelers heading to the airport were also held up for hours, while the presence of a coffin and the group’s aggressive conduct triggered panic among residents.
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On reaching the Lagos State House of Assembly, the protesters allegedly attempted to force their way through the complex gates. In a bid to de-escalate tensions, five lawmakers addressed the group and assured them that their grievances would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
However, the police said the protesters rejected the appeal for dialogue. Their leader, Taiwo Hassan, was said to have instructed the crowd to sit on the highway, completely shutting down traffic around Alausa.
Police spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi said officers were left with no alternative but to disperse the crowd using teargas in order to reopen the roads and ease public hardship. She added that no deaths or injuries were recorded during the operation.
Following the restoration of order, officers intercepted a white Toyota Canter truck with registration number LND 968 YL, fitted with multiple loudspeakers and two generators allegedly used to amplify the protest. The coffin displayed during the protest was also recovered as an exhibit.
The arrested suspects are expected to face multiple charges, including conspiracy, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, incitement, obstruction of traffic, and unlawful restraint of road users.
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, it must not infringe on the rights of others or endanger public safety.
“No one will be allowed to take the law into their hands or inflict hardship on innocent Lagosians,” the Command stated, adding that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
By PRNigeria
