The secretariat of Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association was invaded on Wednesday by security men made up police and men of the Department of State Security, DSS.
The invasion which was carried out against the backdrop of the NBA’s plan to lead a protest against the new tax regime in Lagos, was led by DCP Operations, Lagos State Police Command, Mr. A. Mohammed.
The protest was scheduled to coincide with President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-day visit to Lagos State on Thursday.
The police, numbering about 50, stormed the secretariat with an invitation letter from the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Edgal Imohimi, to the chairman of NBA, Ikeja branch, Mr. Adesina Ogunlana.
The letter titled “Invitation Letter, Re: Case of Threat to Public Peace /Conduct Likely to Cause Breach of Peace,” reads in part: “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.”
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Specifically, the police were said to be after Ogunlana and members of the NBA, Ikeja branch, over plans to carry out an action capable of causing a breach of public peace.
The policemen Wednesday evening were seen stationed at the secretariat while some lawyers were also seen around.
It would be recalled that Ogunlana had at a press conference earlier on Wednesday declared that he would lead a protest against the new tax regime in Lagos on Thursday.
During the press conference, he also said his life was already being threatened over his action.
“The protest is far from being over as lawyers have declared their intention to embark on another round of street protest tomorrow (March 29). The reduction is a sham and a calculated ploy to hoodwink the people of Lagos State…
“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,” he said.
