- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Police Command has denied detaining human rights activist, Desire Ihekaire, who staged a lone protest at Iyana Ipaja area of the state in the demand for the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In solidarity with other agitators in Abuja led by fellow activist, Omoyele Sowore, Ihekaire had on Monday taken to the street with placard, demanding Kanu’s release.
He was joined by random onlookers who were chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu now!”.
However, a video shared on X revealed moment convoy of police operatives and riot personnel arrived at the venue of the protest, dispersing the crowd with tear-gas while arresting and allegedly detaining the activist.
Reacting to the development in a post on its official X handle, the Lagos Police Command denied detaining Ihekaire.
The Command said that the tear-gas fired by the personnel was to disperse suspected hoodlums’ attempt to hijack the protest.
It however claimed that Ihekaire was only cautioned to operate within the confines of the law and was subsequently released.
The statement read; “The Lagos State Police Command wishes to clarify that Mr. Declan Ihekaire, who staged a lone protest in the Iyana Ipaja area, was not detained.
“Teargas were fired by police and riot personnel to disperse miscreants and hoodlums who attempted to hijack the protest and cause mayhem among innocent people in the area.
“He was cautioned on the need to operate within the confines of the law and not instigate violence and disturbance of the peace in the City of Lagos.
“He was subsequently allowed to go. Show of Exercise led by the Commissioner of Police throughout Lagos for confidence building in the populace is still ongoing.
“The State is calm and peaceful, and everyone is going about their lawful activities and other business engagements peacefully.”