From Segun Amure, (The New Diplomat’s Abuja Bureau)
The Lagos State Police Command on Saturday said it has charged 40 protesters including Instagram Comedian, Mr Macaroni who participated in the foiled OccupyLekkiTollgate protest on Saturday for alleged conspiracy and violation of Covid-19 protocols.
They wey arrested on Saturday while protesting against the reopening of the Lekki Toll Plaza following an order given by the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry in support of the reopening.
The police further said the protesters will appear in court on the March, 2, 2021 with their Covid-19 certificates.
In a statement, the Lagos State Police Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi said, “The command has arrested forty (40) suspects at Lekki Toll Gate plaza, Lagos State, on Saturday 13th February, 2021, for conspiracy, conduct likely to cause breach of peace and violation of COVID-19 protocols”
He added, “The suspects had gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate plaza creating tension and behaving in such a manner that could cause breach of public peace without due regard for COVID-19 protocols majorly of which are use of nose masks and social distancing.
“The command has, however, arraigned the suspects today to the mobile court at Panti, Yaba accordingly but were however granted bail by the court. They will appear in court on the next date of adjournment, 2nd March, 2021, with the certificate of COVID-19 test.
“The command therefore assured the general public that it will always discharge its statutory duties as expected within the ambit of the law, while appealing to Lagosians to be law-abiding and go about their lawful businesses.” The statement reads.
However, in his reaction, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Apata on his verified twitter handle has said protesters will get all the necessary legal assistance from the association.
Akpata said: “The images & footages of the unlawful actions of the Nigerian Police at the Lekki Tollgate Lagos are truly shocking.
“The NBA condemns the brazen disrespect for the fundamental rights of unarmed citizens who are merely exercising their rights to peaceful protests.
“For protesters who do not have legal representation the @NigBarAssoc is setting up a team of volunteer lawyers who will immediately represent them.” Apata said.
Recall The New Diplomat had earlier reported how the men of Lagos State Police Command had clamped down on peaceful protesters during the OccupyLekkiTollgate protest.
The protesters were later granted bail on Saturday according to a statement credited to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Akeem Odumosu.
