Lawyers in Defence of Democracy, LIDD, has threatened legal action against the Lagos State Police Command and an individual identified as “Pepper” over the alleged attack on protesters during Wednesday’s demonstration in Lagos.
The group also accused police officers present at the protest of failing to intervene when suspected sponsored thugs allegedly disrupted the demonstration.
Members of LIDD had joined the Take It Back Movement’s protest in Lagos to provide legal support and monitor compliance with citizens’ constitutional rights.
The protest, which was held amid concerns over economic hardship, insecurity and poor minimum wage, was disrupted after some persons allegedly attacked protesters and attempted to interfere with the procession.
Videos circulated online showed a scuffle involving protesters, suspected hoodlums and police officers, while some protesters alleged that they were attacked and injured.
The Lagos State Police Command, however, said its personnel provided security throughout the procession from Maryland to Odo Iya Alaro and back to Maryland.
The Command said some hoodlums attempted to infiltrate and hijack the protest, adding that the attempt was “promptly curtailed” by police personnel.
It also said the firing of teargas was a “measured crowd-control response” aimed at restoring normalcy and preventing a breakdown of law and order.
But in a press statement issued after the incident, LIDD described the protest as peaceful “until it was violently disrupted by suspected sponsored thugs.”
The statement signed by the group’s Public Relations Officer, Joseph Aliu, said police officers present “failed to intervene to protect peaceful protesters.”
The group also alleged that an individual identified by protesters as “Pepper” was briefly apprehended by the police but released moments later, after which he allegedly resumed his disruptive activities.
“LIDD strongly condemns the attack on peaceful protesters and the apparent failure of the police to discharge their constitutional duty to protect citizens exercising their fundamental rights,” the statement said.
The lawyers said they were documenting the incident and would commence legal proceedings against the Lagos State Police Command and “Pepper” to ensure accountability.
“We are documenting the events of today and will commence appropriate legal proceedings against the Lagos State Police Command and the individual identified as ‘Pepper’ to ensure accountability,” LIDD said.
The group also confirmed that, as of the time of issuing the statement, none of the members of the Take It Back Movement was under arrest or in detention.
“Today’s events do not deter us. We remain steadfast in defending constitutional rights, protecting civic space, and advancing the rule of law in Nigeria,” the group said.
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