The Lagos Police Command has provided an explanation for its use of tear gas to disperse mourners who had gathered for a candlelight procession in honor of the late rapper, Ilerioluwa Olademeji Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, at the Lekki tollgate.
During this incident, some mourners reportedly suffered injuries.
In a statement issued on Friday morning, Benjamin Hundeyin, the PRO of the Lagos Police, stated that the police took this action to prevent traffic congestion and chaos.
According to Hundeyin, there was a prior agreement between the police and the organizers of the candlelight procession that it would conclude by 8 pm at Muri Okunola, Victoria Island, due to the heavy use of the Lekki-Epe Expressway. The Lekki Toll Gate was designated a no-go area.
However, after the procession ended as agreed at Muri Okunola Park, some individuals gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate with intentions beyond the #justiceforMohbad initiative.
Despite efforts by the police and procession organizers to persuade the crowd to disperse peacefully, some individuals defied these requests, causing a complete blockade of all lanes in and out of Lekki, resulting in traffic congestion.
Considering previous similar incidents and the visible signs of potential chaos and anarchy, the police used tear gas as the least harmful method of crowd dispersal, following the failure of verbal persuasion. Notably, no live ammunition was discharged, and the police followed crowd management best practices, resulting in no casualties or injuries.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police warned potential troublemakers that they would be promptly arrested and prosecuted if they disturbed the peace of the state.
Furthermore, the Lagos State Police Command assured organizers of the #justiceforMohbad initiative and Lagosians of their continued commitment to safety and security. The ongoing investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Ilerioluwa Aloba's death is progressing well, and the public is urged to allow the police to conduct a conclusive and timely investigation.
The Command expressed its ongoing cooperation with #justiceforMohbad support groups and pledged to provide updates on the investigation's progress to the general public.
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