Police suspend Egungun festival in Lagos community

The Lagos State Police Command has directed that an Egungun festival planned to take place in the Oregun area on Friday and Saturday be put on hold.

The command also confirmed the arrest of several individuals linked to posters and online messages advising residents to avoid moving freely in the community during the event.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the suspects—said to be operating under a certain local group—were detained for distributing materials that attempted to limit people’s movement, expression, and personal rights.

The police noted that such actions could create panic and disrupt public order.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh, consequently ordered an immediate halt to the festival scheduled for November 27 and 28, 2025.

He emphasized that the command would not allow any activity that could threaten peace, endanger residents, or disturb law and order.

The police further stressed that no cultural gathering or event likely to raise tensions or put lives at risk would be allowed within the state.

The statement also referenced a recent case on November 23, 2025, in Mafoluku, Oshodi, where officers quickly apprehended 12 people involved in another attempt to spread disorder through provocative publications.

All arrested individuals are still being investigated and will be prosecuted when inquiries are finalized.

Reaffirming the suspension, CP Jimoh instructed the group behind the planned festival to abandon any move to continue with it, stating that security for such an event could not be guaranteed.

He criticized the fear already spread among residents and warned that anyone attempting to disturb public peace would face legal consequences.

The command encouraged Lagos residents to go about their normal activities confidently, assuring them of continued protection of life and property.