Scores of security men including officials of the Department of State Security (DSS) led by DCP Operations, Lagos State Police Command, Mr A. Mohammed, have invaded the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) office, Ikeja Branch.
The siege followed a threat by the NBA led by its Chairman, Mr Adesina Ogunlana, to call out members on a protest tomorrow to coincide with President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the policemen numbering about 50 were armed with an invitation from the Commissioner of Police, Mr Edgal Imohimi, for the NBA boss.
The letter with Ref No. AR:3000/LS/XS/ADM.2/Vol.27/ is entitled, “Invitation Letter, Re: Case of Threat to Public Peace /Conduct Likely to Cause Breach of Peace”.
It reads: “This office is investigating the above mentioned case reported through a petition to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Ikeja.
“In furtherance to my investigation, you are requested to report to the undersigned on the 28th of March, 2018 by 7.00 p.m. through O/C “X” Squad, who has been detailed by the Commissioner of Police to investigate the case. Your co-operation in this regard will be highly appreciated please.”
NAN also reports that the policemen came in more than 25 pick up vans.
According to the letter made available to NAN, the men of the Lagos State Police Command are investigating a petition to the effect that Ogunlana and members of the NBA, Ikeja branch, for conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The policemen who are still at the NBA office as at 8.10 p.m., were insisting on arresting the NBA chairman, while a number of lawyers were also on ground ostensibly to resist his arrest.
Earlier, NBA had at a news conference announced a protest slated for Thursday, March 29 and that he was being “threatened” over his posture on the Lagos Land Use Charge.
The NBA Chairman, said that in spite of the reduction of the rates and levies under the Land Use Charge the protest would go on as planned.
Ogunlana said: “The protest is far from being over as lawyers have declared their intention to embark on another round of streets protest tomorrow (March 29). The reduction is a sham and a calculated ploy to hoodwink the people of Lagos State.”
He also said the NBA objected to the House of Assembly’s setting up of a committee to review the Land Use Charge 2018.
“Come Thursday, March 29, the “Walk the Talk” protest must go on irrespective of the public holiday declared by the Lagos State Government in anticipation of the Presidential visit.”
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The Lagos State Police Command Wednesday, warned that it would not tolerate any attempt by any group to stage protest in any part of the state today, informing that security measures had been put in place to arrest anyone or group that acts contrary.
The command boss, who assured that all had been put in place to ensure a hitch free visit, emphatically advised parents to caution their wards against being used as tools by some unscrupulous elements.
He said: “We will arrest anyone who comes out tomorrow to stage protest and charge him with very sever offences. ” In addition, it has come to the command ‘s notice that NBA Ikeja branch is being used by disgruntled politicians in Lagos.
For them to now issue another press release to say that they are taking the protest to Mr President who has nothing to do with the Land Use Charge shows they are being used . We will treat them as such if they come out tomorrow. They have been warned. ”
Earlier yesterday, NBA Ikeja branch declared its intention to embark on another round of streets protest during President Buhari’s visit. This was communicated through its Chairman, Mr. Adeshina Ogunlana. He stated that the planned protest was a response to failure of the State government and Lagos State House of Assembly, LAHA to meet its demands.
