The Lagos State Police Command has halted an unapproved Egungun festival planned for Oregun and arrested twelve individuals allegedly responsible for circulating posters and social media messages warning residents to stay indoors.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the suspects, said to be operating under the name “Oje Parapo of Oregun”, were picked up after distributing handbills that attempted to impose movement restrictions on residents.
The police described the publications as actions that infringed on fundamental rights and were capable of creating fear and disrupting public order.
Following the arrests on Wednesday, Commissioner of Police CP Olohundare Jimoh directed that the planned festival, scheduled for November 27 and 28, be suspended immediately.
He said the event, if allowed to proceed, could endanger public safety and threaten peaceful coexistence in the community.
The Command noted that the publications had already caused unease among residents, prompting swift action to avert a potential crisis.
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It warned that “no group should take the law into their hands or restrict the movement of any Lagosian at any time,” reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights of all residents.
Police said their assessment showed that the proposed festival had sparked widespread apprehension in Oregun and neighbouring communities, making decisive intervention necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order. The Command emphasised that no cultural gathering that poses a threat to public peace would be allowed to hold anywhere in Lagos.
A similar situation occurred on November 23 in Mafoluku, Oshodi, where handbills announcing movement restrictions were circulated.
Officers from Makinde Division acted promptly, arresting twelve suspects who are now under investigation and will be charged once inquiries are concluded.
Restating the ban, CP Jimoh ordered the Oje Parapo group to halt any plans to proceed with the festival, saying the police could not guarantee security for an event that had already created fear among residents.
He warned that anyone attempting to destabilize public peace would face legal consequences.
The Command urged Lagosians to go about their daily activities without fear, assuring them of continued efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state.
