#EndSARS anniversary: Commissioner of police inciting anarchy, says group

A United States human right group, Take It Back Movement (TIB), on Monday has said Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu’s statement warning citizens not to protest in respect to the commemoration of the anniversary of #EndSARS protests is an invitation to anarchy.

In a statement made available to The Guardian by the legal adviser of the group, Festus Ogun on Monday, TIB said Odumosu has no power, right or authority to warn against, prohibit or outlaw protests, adding that it is against the constitution.

“The police boss cannot, under our extant laws, interfere with the hallowed right to protest under any guise. The only legal duty he has is to ensure the security and welfare of all protesters; which must be professionally done,” Ogun said in the statement.

Lagos State Police Command warned Lagos residents on Monday morning against planned #EndSARS anniversary protest scheduled to hold on October 20.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Monday by the commands Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, the police boss said the intelligence report at the disposal of the Command revealed clandestine plans by groups to embark on protest and that the Force would resist any form of gatherings to disturb the peace in the State.

He noted that the security agencies should be more prepared for the likely wave of protest that will be witnessed in the country in coming days and advised the police boss to ensure right of protesters are fully protected.

“We shall not condone any form of harassment, intimidation, brutalization or arrest. We shall resist any attempt to encroach on our constitutionally guaranteed rights. The police and other security agencies are hereby put on notice and they should be guided accordingly,” he said.