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The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports that members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lagos State Council, were teargassed during their peaceful protest at the Lagos State Government House, Alausa, Ikeja.
The command described the accusation as false, saying that no tear gas was used against pensioners during the demonstration.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abimbola Adebisi, clarified in a statement issued on Tuesday, adding that a viral photograph circulating online purportedly showing pensioners being hit with tear gas was artificially generated.
According to the police spokesperson, the image did not represent the actual events that occurred at the protest site.
The police account for the NUP demonstration
Adebisi said about 500 members of the NUP Lagos Council gathered at the governor’s office, Alausa, Ikeja, at about 8.30am on Monday for the protest.
He said the rally was led by NUP President, Michael Omishade, together with the Lagos President of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), Agnes Sessi.
The police spokesperson explained that security personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Taskforce, Eko Strike Force and nearby police formations have been deployed to ensure security and maintain law and order.
He said the deployment was intended to protect both protesters and other residents in the area.
“The security operation was coordinated and led by the deputy commissioner of police in charge of the operations department,” Adebisi said.
The protest ended peacefully, police say
Police said the protesters were later directed by the chief of staff to the Lagos State governor, Tayo Ayinde, before NUP officials moved to the governor’s conference room for an indoor meeting.
According to the command, the meeting lasted about three hours before the pensioners dispersed peacefully around 4.30 pm
Police said no incidents were reported during the exercise.
Police warn against misinformation
The command expressed concern over the spread of the alleged tear gas image, warning that the manipulated content could mislead the public and create unnecessary tension.
Adebisi urged residents to verify information before sharing it online, especially content relating to security operations and public demonstrations.
He reiterated that the police respect citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, while stressing that such activities must remain orderly and lawful.
The command encouraged members of the public to rely on verified information from credible sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports, altered images or misleading posts on social media.
Basic information
The use of artificial intelligence to create lifelike images and videos has increased concerns about misinformation, especially at political rallies, security incidents and public events.
Authorities and digital media experts are increasingly urging citizens to check online content before sharing it, as manipulated images can spread quickly and influence public perception.
Nigeria has witnessed numerous debates on disinformation, particularly during protests and major national events where social media plays a significant role in the distribution of information.
