Despite evidence that a young trader simply identified as Jumoke was hit by a stray bullet from the Police during Yoruba Nation Rally at Ojota on Saturday, the Lagos State Command has denied the allegation of firing live bullets at protesters.

In a statement signed by Muyiwa Adejobi, the Lagos State Police spokesman, the Command insisted that the corpse had “dried blood stains suggesting that the corpse is not fresh”. 

“After a close look at the corpse, a wound suspectedly sustained from a sharp object was seen on it,” he said.

READ MORE: JUST IN: Street Trader Killed by Stray Bullet at Yoruba Nation RallyI

Adejobi stated that: “The Command did not fire a single live bullet at Ojota rally today. 

“The said corpse was found wrapped and abandoned at a distance, far from Ojota venue of the rally, behind MRS Filling Station, inward Maryland, on the other side of the venue, with dried blood stains suggesting that the corpse is not fresh.  After a close look at the corpse, a wound suspectedly sustained from a sharp object was seen on it.”

The Lagos Police spokesperson added that news was “a calculated attempt to create confusion and fears in the minds of the good people of Lagos State and the country at large”.

“The Command hereby wishes to debunk the rumour and state categorically that it’s a calculated attempt to create confusion and fears in the minds of the good people of Lagos State and the country at large,” Adejobi continued. 

“The news is false and mischievous. The Command therefore urges the general public to disregard the news and go about their lawful normal daily activities while investigation to unravel the incident will commence immediately.” 

Meanwhile, an eyewitness told FIJ that “the Police did shoot sporadically, firing teargas at protesters and spraying Water Cannon”.