Police Halt Unapproved Egungun Festival in Lagos, Arrest 12 Over Movement Restriction Notices

The Lagos State Police Command has stopped an unauthorised Egungun festival planned for Oregun and arrested 12 individuals linked to posters and social media messages warning residents against free movement in the area.

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 detained for circulating handbills that attempted to restrict citizens’ freedom of movement, expression and human dignity, actions the Command described as capable of inciting fear and disrupting public order.

Following the development on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, ordered the immediate suspension of the festival, which had been scheduled for November 27 and 28. He said the planned event posed a safety risk and could trigger a breach of peace.

The Command noted that the publications had already stirred anxiety among residents, prompting swift intervention. It warned: “No group should take the law into their hands or restrict the movement of any Lagosian at any time,” emphasising that the fundamental rights of Lagosians would be fully upheld.

According to the police, their assessment showed that the proposed festival had caused widespread apprehension in Oregun and neighbouring communities, making it necessary to halt the event to prevent disorder. The Command vowed that no cultural activity likely to heighten tension or endanger lives would be permitted in the state.

A similar situation occurred on November 23 in Mafoluku, Oshodi, where movement-restriction notices were shared. Officers from Makinde Division responded quickly and arrested 12 suspects, who are now under investigation and will be prosecuted after inquiries are concluded.

Reiterating the suspension, CP Jimoh directed the Oje Parapo group to desist from any attempt to proceed with the event, stressing the police could not guarantee security for such a gathering. He added that the anxiety already created among residents was unacceptable and warned that anyone attempting to undermine public peace would face legal consequences.

The Command urged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear, reassuring them of continued protection of lives and property.

Opinion Nigeria News