Lagos Police Say Teargas Used to Disperse Crowds At JusticeForMohbad March Was Least Harmful Option

*Warns Against Unlawful Acts

The Lagos State Police Command has acknowledged its officers deployed teargas at Lekki Toll Gate on September 21st to disperse crowds that gathered after the approved #JusticeForMohbad procession.

In a statement, police spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin said the candlelight vigil organizers agreed to conclude the march by 8PM at Muri Okunola Park. But some individuals started congregating at Lekki Toll Gate, violating the agreement.

After hours of failed verbal appeals from police and organizers urging dispersal, officers deemed the defiant crowds represented dangerous red flags. To prevent chaos and maintain law and order, they reluctantly used teargas as the least harmful crowd control measure.

Hundeyin asserted no live rounds were fired, no lives lost, and no injuries sustained. He warned against further unlawful gatherings, saying violators will face prosecution.

The police statement comes after conflicting accounts over alleged rough dispersals and injuries. But authorities maintain approved procession concluded peacefully with security before unauthorized remnants were non-violently contained.

Hundeyin also assured investigations are progressing into singer Mohbad’s death. He urged public cooperation and avoidance of distractions to enable timely conclusions. The autopsy results are keenly awaited amidst intense speculations.

With emotions running high over Mohbad’s demise, the police face pressure to deliver justice while also firmly containing excesses. Their statement indicates non-negotiable stance against unlawful acts, even in sympathy. Ongoing probes will ultimately reveal full details.