The Lagos State Police Command has officially invited the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement Juwon Sanyaolu, to meet with the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola.
This invitation follows the movement’s involvement in organizing the #EndBadGovernance protests in August across Lagos and several other states, including Abuja.
In a letter dated September 24, 2024, and signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Jaiyeoba Joseph from the State Intelligence Department, the police requested Sanyaolu and his executive members to discuss “issues of national interest.” The meeting is set for Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Commissioner’s office located at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the invitation, emphasizing that the meeting aims to foster dialogue rather than confrontation. “The new Commissioner of Police just wants to meet everyone,” he stated, assuring that there is no intention to arrest anyone. Hundeyin also mentioned that other social media influencers and a Nollywood actor had recently visited the command for similar discussions.
This invitation comes in anticipation of the upcoming nationwide protest, dubbed ‘Fearless In October,’ scheduled to begin on October 1, 2024.
Sanyaolu has a history of arrest related to protest activities, having been detained by security agents in Lagos on June 11, 2024, just before the Democracy Day protest. He was released two days later from the Lagos State Police Command’s Ikeja headquarters.
When asked if the planned October protest would be on the meeting agenda, Hundeyin affirmed, “Of course, the October protest will also be discussed, but it’s not a confrontation. Even if he doesn’t attend, there’s no issue.”
