The Lagos state police command has announced the arraignment of 34 hoodlums who were apprehended at the state’s EndSARS anniversary demonstration on Wednesday, October 20.
The scheduled demonstration in observance of the one-year anniversary of ENDSARS was carried out by demonstrators who moved in a motorcade through the Lekki toll gate at approximately 0800hrs, according to CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, spokesperson for the state police command. Around 10 a.m., the protest came to an end.
According to him, after the actual protestors had peacefully left the place without any form of violence, “hoodlums took advantage of the gridlock with criminal intent to start targeting innocent law-abiding citizens,”
The hoodlums stabbed one Shina Edun’m’ of Man O’ War Nigeria linked to the Lekki Concession Company in the stomach, according to Ajisebutu. The victim was taken to the hospital right away and is currently undergoing medical treatment.
”Following the criminal act of the hoodlums, the police responded swiftly and dispersed them with minimum force. Consequently, thirty-four of the hoodlums were arrested. Two cutlasses , one hammer, a Jack knife and assorted criminal charms were recovered from them. The arrested suspects have been arraigned in magistrate court 5, Oshodi on the same day before Magistrate Israel Adelakun for the offence of conduct likely to cause breach of the peace.
At the end of their trial, two (2) of the accused persons pleaded guilty and were fined in the sum of N10, 000 each. Thirty (30) others pleaded not guilty and were granted bail with one surety and N20,000 in like sum. One (1) of them was discharged and acquitted, while one other named Chukwu Chika ‘m’ aged 24 years, who was arrested with a sharp cutlass and assorted charms confessed that he deliberately came to cause violence and mayhem. Subsequently, the court ordered the police to carry out thorough investigation on his case and charge him to court appropriately” the statement read
He went on to say that the Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, conveyed the Command’s heartfelt thanks to the public for their outpouring of support prior to, during, and after the protest.
”The CP equally renders his apology to any media person whose right might have been inadvertently infringed upon while the security personnel were trying to prevent breakdown of law and order.
Also, the CP assures members of the public that, in line with the policy of the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, psc(+), NPM, fdc, of making the police accountable to members of the public, uphold the tenets and principles of fundamental human rights, and professional in carrying out their statutory duties, training and retraining of the officers and men shall continue to be intensified.
The Commissioner of Police uses this medium to thank Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the State Executive Council members for their unalloyed support for security agencies during the protest.
Equally appreciated are the Youths and other stakeholders for their understanding of the prevailing peace and secure environment in the state. The CP notes their cooperation and assistance in not making the state witness the mayhem that characterised last year’s EndSARS protest during yesterday’s one year anniversary. Collectively we shall continue to make the state safer and more peaceful.
In order to achieve the above, the Command on its own, has resolved to redouble its efforts in providing watertight security and protection of lives and property of all law-abiding citizens in the state.;;the statement in part read
Source; NaijaOnPoint.com
