Police Justify Tear Gas Use on Lagos Pensioners Protest

The Nigeria Police Force has defended its use of tear gas on pensioners during a peaceful protest in Lagos State, asserting that the law allows for proportionate force to manage disorderly gatherings. This statement came shortly after the Lagos State Police Command, represented by SP Abimbola Adebisi, denied the use of tear gas, claiming that circulating images were AI-generated.

CSP Anietie Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution does not permit disorderly conduct during protests and noted that the Inspector-General of Police had previously invited pensioners to discuss their grievances. Iniedu acknowledged past breaches by pensioners, including blocking highways and entering the Presidential Villa.

He urged pensioners to express their grievances orderly, assuring them of police support in pursuing their complaints. The civil society organization Global Rights condemned the police's actions against the peaceful protest organized by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners.