The Lagos State Police Command has denied reports claiming that its officers attacked residents during the recent demolition exercise in Oworonshoki.
In a statement issued by spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Command maintained that its officers acted lawfully and professionally throughout the operation.
“The reports of alleged attacks are completely false and were mischievously published to mislead the public,” the statement read on the Command’s X handle on Sunday.
The Command explained that the demolition was conducted by the Lagos State Department of Urban Development and Planning, in collaboration with the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences.
According to the police, the exercise followed several months of official notices served on both legal and illegal occupants of the affected structures, and compensation was paid prior to the demolition.
“The constitutional duty of the Police is to protect life and property, including safeguarding public officials while carrying out their lawful duties,” the statement said.
It further clarified that the Oworonshoki demolition was undertaken by the authorised state departments in accordance with the law and due process.
The Command stressed that police personnel were deployed solely to maintain peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order during the government’s urban renewal exercise.
“At no time did officers of the Command engage in violence, harassment, or collaborate with hoodlums, as falsely reported,” it added.
The police also emphasised that their officers were under strict instructions to act with professionalism, restraint, and respect for human rights.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has accused the Lagos State Government of disobeying a valid court order halting demolitions in Oworonshoki.
Falana stated that the state government and its agencies conducted midnight demolitions despite an injunction issued by Justice A.G. Balogun of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, on 23 October 2025, restraining further demolitions in the area.
According to him, the order—duly served on the defendants—was ignored, as officials allegedly mobilised over 50 armed police officers and thugs to the site.
He described the action as “gross contempt and a flagrant disobedience of the court.”
The Lagos State Police Command, however, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while supporting lawful government policies aimed at promoting peace and urban development.
It also urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain order across the state.