Police take over Lekki toll gate to stop Peter Obi rally

The police in Lagos have taken over the Lekki toll gate, insisting that the planned Labour Party (LP) rally in the area on Saturday will not take place.

On Friday, it was evident that police officers were well-armed and had practically taken over the Lekki neighbourhood.

Patrols were also conducted by police officers from the Task Force and Rapid Response Squad (RRS) along the Lekki-Epe Expressway and other areas of the neighbourhood.

The police have sent patrol vans, black marias, and armoured personnel carriers to the Lekki toll gate.

In a statement posted to Twitter, RRS stated that the action was in keeping with the regular convoy patrol of the city ordered by Lagos Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi.

The show of force by the police comes after a court ruled that the rally should not take place.

The toll gate has been a rallying point for protesters since security agencies allegedly opened fire on unarmed protesters on October 20, 2020.

The Lagos Police Command in a statement warned it would deal with individuals or group caught holding rally at the toll gate.

The police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said: “A court of competent jurisdiction has ruled that no person is allowed to converge on the Lekki Toll gate for whatever reason.

“In conformity with its mandate to protect life and property, the Lagos State Police Command under the leadership of Abiodun Alabi, will leave no stone unturned in ensuring total compliance with the court order and an emplacement of adequate security in the state.

“While the Command is not averse to the peoples’ right to freedom of assembly and association; and expression, the Command will equally live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others, especially the rights to freedom of movement and right to dignity of human persons, especially under the guise of rally or procession.

“The warning therefore goes that anyone found flouting the court order or infringing on the rights of other Nigerians will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“Meanwhile, CP Alabi enjoins all peace loving persons to go about their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation, reiterating that adequate security assets have been strategically deployed to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians at designated rally venues and across the state at large.”