Hakeem Odumosu, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, has denied ever ordering that the closure of churches in the state.
According to the Lagos police boss, the report linking him with an order to keep churches shut during this festive season 1was distorted and ran contrary to the position of the command.
Odumosu made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The statement reads in part: “For clarification, the preventive COVID-19 protocols include the use of face mask at public places, maintaining social distancing, closure of night clubs, bars, lounges, event centres; no social party, street carnivals and due enforcement of the Federal Government imposed 12 midnight to 4 am curfew. No closure of churches was included in the already established and released COVID-19 protocols contrary to the mischievous publication in question.
“The Police Command wishes to state categorically that according to the directive of the Lagos State Government, churches are allowed to operate in accordance with the already laid down protocols, while event centres can operate with the permission of the Lagos State Safety Commission with due consideration to the COVID-19 guidelines in the state.
“The Command, therefore, wishes to urge the general public to disregard the misleading and unfounded publication and go about their lawful businesses; and they are also urged to be involved in the moves to halt the spread of the pandemic in the state.
“In the spirit of the season, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, wishes all Lagosians Happy New Year in Advance.”
