The Association of Civil Society Organizations for Peace and Security (ACOSOPS), an Abuja-based coalition of civil society groups, has dismissed claims that the Lagos State Government and its security agencies disobeyed a court order relating to activist Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement jointly signed by Comrade James Okoronkwo, Chairman, and Mr. Johnson Eze, Secretary of the association, ACOSOPS described such allegations as misleading and mischievous, insisting that Sowore’s recent actions amount to incitement and sedition, posing what it called “a serious threat to national peace and security.”
The group maintained that the Lagos State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Jimoh Moshood, has acted within the ambit of the law, adding that contrary to speculations, no arrest has been carried out since the court’s interim injunction was communicated.
According to the statement, “It is important to note that lawful measures taken to safeguard peace should not be twisted or portrayed as disobedience to court orders. Such misrepresentations only serve to mislead the public and weaken national institutions.”
ACOSOPS appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and allow the judicial process to take its natural course, even as it reaffirmed its faith in the rule of law and the professionalism of the Lagos Police Command.
The association further cautioned against the politicization of security issues, noting that national security must always take precedence over personal or partisan considerations.
“We must not allow personal ambitions to endanger the peace and unity of our nation. Security agencies deserve public support, not condemnation, for doing their job within legal bounds,” the statement added.
Civil Society Group Backs Lagos Govt, Police Over Sowore Case
