“I Will Smoke You All” — Lagos CP Accused of Threatening Peaceful Protesters on June 12
The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) has accused the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, of issuing violent threats and aligning with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to sabotage the June 12 protests in Lagos.
In a statement titled, “We Condemn CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh’s Allegiance with APC and Attempt to Disrupt June 12 Protest in Lagos”, the YRC claimed that Jimoh threatened their members during a confrontation with the group’s National Secretary, Francis Nwapa, allegedly declaring:
“I will smoke you all.”
The statement, jointly signed by YRC National Coordinator Michael Adaramoye and Nwapa, described the incident as a shocking display of hostility from a top-ranking officer expected to uphold neutrality and professionalism.
“This threat was issued after our Secretary questioned the Commissioner’s double standards. Instead of de-escalation, CP Jimoh resorted to intimidation,” the group said.
The YRC further alleged that while civil society protesters were trailed and monitored by police officers, APC loyalists — reportedly mobilised by party chieftain Best Nze-Jombo — were allowed to obstruct roads, blare loud music, and provoke demonstrators without consequence.
“They drove a huge musical truck into our peaceful procession at Ojota in an attempt to drown our voices,” the statement said.
“Best Nze-Jombo even entered our crowd, taking photos of speakers — and the police stood by, doing nothing.”
The group claimed the Commissioner’s inaction and alleged complicity was tantamount to “an open declaration of his APC membership.”
Adding to their grievances, the YRC cited Jimoh’s selective enforcement of a 2023 court order, which restricted only anti-government protests to specific areas such as Ojota Park. APC supporters who barricaded Ikeja Underbridge were reportedly allowed free rein.
“That same controversial order was not applied to APC loyalists, proving the Commissioner’s double standard,” the YRC stated.
The YRC concluded by demanding CP Jimoh’s resignation and a public apology from the Lagos State Police Command, accusing him of failing in his duty to act as an impartial enforcer of public order.
“CP Jimoh has disgraced his office. Threatening peaceful protesters and aiding provocateurs is unacceptable. He must resign,” the group insisted.
However, Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, strongly denied the allegations.
“The CP did not make any such statement, neither was anyone smoked,” Hundeyin said.
“All protesters were given adequate security before, during, and after the demonstration.”
