Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has reacted after the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, declared him wanted for alleged public disturbance.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore said: “The Lagos Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, has reportedly declared me ‘wanted’ for ‘disturbance of public peace’, allegedly because his officers failed to carry out a ‘shoot on sight’ order from his illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, in Oworonsoki today.
“Despite several calls to Commissioner Jimoh, he has refused to answer. However, I intend to meet him soon to address this so-called declaration.”
Police Accuse Sowore of Plotting to Disrupt Public Peace
Earlier on Monday, the Lagos State Police Command announced that Sowore had been declared wanted for allegedly planning to incite public disorder and block major roads in the state.
Speaking to journalists at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge, Commissioner Jimoh said the command was closing in on Sowore and his associates, whom he accused of organising activities that could disrupt peace.
“Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” Jimoh warned. “Anyone attempting to cause disturbance or block our roads will face the full weight of the law.”
Police Cite Security Concerns Over Planned Protests
According to the Commissioner, intelligence reports revealed that Sowore and his team planned to hold demonstrations at key locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.
Jimoh described the alleged plan as “criminal” and said such gatherings could cause severe traffic gridlock and endanger lives.
“It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” he added.
Arrests Made, Investigations Ongoing
Jimoh disclosed that 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the planned protest, while Sowore allegedly fled. He said investigations were ongoing to uncover the sponsors and collaborators of the movement.
Security operatives have been stationed at strategic areas across Lagos, including major bridges and highways, with temporary roadblocks and diversions to maintain order.
“The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” he warned.
Commissioner Addresses Lagos Tensions
Jimoh also spoke on the recent demolitions in the Oworonsoki area, stressing that affected residents had been duly compensated.
“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke crisis under the guise of protest,” he said.
He urged residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities, assuring that the police would continue to enforce the law without fear or favour.
“Freedom of expression must not turn into a public nuisance or put lives at risk,” he concluded.