By Linus Akomolafe
In what seems to be a renewed effort from the Lagos State police command to ban protest in the State, it was a mixed feeling for youths who stepped out to Lekki toll gate on Wednesday for EndSARS memorial of victims as security operatives brutally harassed and arrested protesters.
Lagos State commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, had in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, on Tuesday warned Lagosians against protesting as arrest would be made in addition to the over 300 protesters still in kiriri medium prison arrested last year.
Among those arrested were a Canadian, Patriot Patrick Eholor who is also a comedian. “there is so much injustice in the country, the police are under paid” this were his last words while speaking with journalist at the toll gate before Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Commander, Olatunji Disu, hit his cap off and ordered his arrest.
A man who claimed to be an Uber driver, while running away after the police shot tear gas, was brutalised and arrested as his car was towed away.Another protester, Okechukwu Peter was harassed and kept in a black Maria as his phones were taken away.
While being dragged by security operatives, he was heard to say: “don’t do that, you don’t do this. Nigerians see what they are doing to me. Remember our dead heroes.”
Two journalists, Ade Adewunmi and Abisola Alawode working with Sahara Reporters and LegitTv were tear gassed and arrested. However, the commissioner of police has ordered the release of Adewunmi while the whereabouts of Alawode remains unknown as at press time.
According to reports, two Black Maria drove off with unnumbered protesters at the Lekki tollgate axis, a location where some youths were reportedly killed by security agents.
The protest in honor of victims shot and killed on October 20, 2020 began in vehicles at about 9 a.m. and was led by popular Nigerian musician, Falz and Mr. Macaronni.They drove through the toll gate with Nigerian flags in their hands as they echoed in unison “we will never forget”
Meanwhile, Hakeem while briefing press men said he will not allow miscreants to hijack the #Endsars memorial protest in the state.
He said the Lekki tollgate area was a business axis and he would not allow any gathering or blockade of the road under any guise of a protest.
Earlier on Tuesday evening, Odumosu vowed to foil any street protest, while stating that there would be arrest of erring protesters found on the street.
