Lagos Police Deny Arresting Activist Ahead of Planned Protest on Democracy Day
The Lagos State Police Command has refuted claims of the alleged arrest of activist Juwon Sanyaolu, one of the organizers of a planned protest scheduled to take place in Lagos on June 12, Democracy Day.
Social media reports on Tuesday night suggested that Sanyaolu was apprehended by the police at an undisclosed location in Lagos. However, when contacted for confirmation, the Police Public Relations Officer, c, stated that the command had no knowledge of such an arrest.
In a telephone conversation, Hundeyin said, “I don’t have that information. I’m not aware of it at all.”
A source within the state police command, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that Sanyaolu’s arrest might not have been carried out by the police, hinting at the possibility of involvement by other law enforcement agencies or police divisions outside the state command.
Juwon Sanyaolu serves as the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, a civil society organization involved in planning protests across various states.
Earlier, the Lagos State Police Command had issued a caution against any disruption of law and order in the state in anticipation of the planned protests.
The Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, assured residents of police presence on Wednesday to maintain safety and order during the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has acknowledged receiving intelligence regarding plans for protests across the nation on Democracy Day.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the DSS emphasized that while the constitution guarantees the right to assembly, it should not be exploited to jeopardize national security.
Notices circulating on social media indicate that the mass protest is scheduled to commence in Lagos on Wednesday at 7 a.m., although there is no confirmation of Sanyaolu’s arrest from the police or any official sources.
