Police Reject Rhodes-Vivour’s Accusations of APC Ties

Lagos State Police Command has categorically rejected accusations from Labour Party prominent member, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who alleged that officers were collaborating with All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs.

In an official statement released in Lagos on Sunday, Deputy Spokesperson DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi refuted the assertions, labeling them as baseless, deceptive, and a deliberate effort to politicize the force’s operations. 

Oluseyi highlighted that the comments were aired by Rhodes-Vivour during his appearance on Arise News’ Morning Show the same day.

The spokesperson clarified that Police Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh had stationed personnel in Alimosho Local Government Area and various other Lagos locations solely to uphold law and order, with no involvement in partisan activities.

Oluseyi clarified that the APC in Alimosho had duly notified police of a voter registration sensitisation exercise, which held peacefully at Lion Field, Iyana-Ipaja. 

“Officers were deployed for security, and the event ended without incident,” he said. 

He stressed that no notification was received from Rhodes-Vivour regarding any rally in the area. 

At about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, however, police responded to distress calls about pandemonium at Christ Gospel Mission International Campground. 

According to Oluseyi, the disturbance arose after a political rally was forcefully held inside the religious premises without the church’s approval. 

He said CP Jimoh personally led the intervention, deploying officers to restore order and protect worshippers inside the premises. 

Oluseyi also refuted claims that a Deputy Commissioner acted as a gateman or that buses were vandalised, insisting no such incidents occurred in police presence. 

He added that allegations of damage to buses and injuries to supporters were only raised during the interview and not officially reported to police. 

The spokesperson cautioned against holding political activities in religious centres, warning such actions could threaten public peace and attract criminal liability. 

He emphasised that the command remains neutral, apolitical, and firm in enforcing law and order as mandated by the Police Act and Regulations. 

Oluseyi assured that the police remain committed to the safety of Lagos residents and will resist any attempts to drag the command into partisan politics. 

NAN