Youth Group Accuses Lagos CP of Bias, Threats Against June 12 Protesters

The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) has raised serious allegations against the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, accusing him of threatening peaceful demonstrators and colluding with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the June 12 protest in Lagos.

In a strongly worded statement titled “We Condemn CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh’s Allegiance with APC and Attempt to Disrupt June 12 Protest in Lagos”, the YRC detailed a series of incidents which they say reflect the police commissioner’s lack of neutrality and professionalism.

The statement was jointly signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Michael Adaramoye, and National Secretary, Francis Nwapa.

According to the group, during a confrontation that ensued after they challenged the commissioner on perceived double standards in handling the protest, CP Jimoh allegedly issued a threatening remark, saying: “I will smoke you all.”

Recounting the incident, the YRC stated: “Upon being questioned by our National Secretary, Francis Nwapa, on why the police appeared to be tolerating pro-government elements while clamping down on civil society protesters, CP Jimoh reacted aggressively, saying he would ‘smoke us all.’ This shocking statement left us bewildered and raised questions about the commissioner’s professionalism and capacity for conflict resolution.”

Further accusations were made against the Commissioner for allegedly allowing APC-aligned individuals to interfere with the protest without police intervention.

YRC claimed that while their members were peacefully marching towards Ojota, the APC — reportedly mobilised by Lagos APC chieftain Best Nze-Jombo — deployed loud musical trucks to disrupt the rally.

Despite the provocations, which included attempts to drown out speeches and interrupt the procession, the police reportedly failed to act.

The group noted, “Under CP Jimoh’s watch, our peaceful demonstration was met with deliberate distractions by APC agents, including efforts to block our path and overwhelm our voices with loud music.

To our dismay, police officers on the scene stood by and did nothing. Even when Best Nze-Jombo entered our midst and took photographs of speakers and attendees, there was no official response.”

YRC also criticised CP Jimoh for what it described as selective enforcement of a court order previously issued in August 2023 by a Lagos court. The group claims that while the police tried to use this order to restrict the movement of anti-government protesters by confining them to a park at Ojota, the same restrictions were not imposed on APC loyalists who blocked major roads, including the Ikeja underbridge.

“It is alarming that CP Jimoh attempted to revive an outdated and controversial court injunction to constrain our movement while ignoring the APC supporters who were barricading public roads. This selective application of the law is a clear indication of bias,” the YRC added.

In light of these developments, the group is demanding CP Jimoh’s resignation and a formal apology from the Lagos State Police Command.

“We condemn the Commissioner’s blatant double standard and his threatening behaviour. His actions—both in words and in oversight—suggest an unacceptable alliance with political actors intent on stifling civic expression. We call for his immediate resignation and a public apology to all peaceful protesters who were harassed or intimidated during the June 12 protest.”

However, in response to these allegations, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, dismissed the claims.

> “The CP did not make any such statement, neither was anyone smoked. All protesters were given adequate security before, during, and after the demonstration,” he said.

Despite this denial, the YRC insists that the events of June 12 reflect a worrying trend of police partiality and a shrinking space for democratic expression in Lagos.