The Lagos State Police Command has denied claims that officers shot protesters during demonstrations against demolitions in parts of the state.
Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh said no firearms were discharged, insisting that only teargas was used after protesters blocked roads leading to the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa.
Jimoh said the protest started peacefully but escalated when groups merged and obstructed traffic, trapping commuters. He also claimed hoodlums infiltrated the crowd, though he did not give details.
He dismissed reports of gunshot wounds, saying injuries recorded were linked to stampedes caused by teargas. Police, he added, found no evidence of bullet injuries at hospitals.
The police chief confirmed the arrest of activists Taiwo Hassan Soweto and Dele Frank, accusing them of blocking the highway with a truck and acting in a way likely to breach public peace.
Jimoh said police respect the right to protest but warned that it does not include blocking public roads or disrupting public order.
