Police declare Sowore wanted over alleged plans to disrupt public peace
Omoyele Sowore
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Lagos State Police Command has declared activist and politician Omoyele Sowore wanted, accusing him of planning to incite public disorder and obstruct major roads across Lagos.
Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, stated on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo end of the Third Mainland Bridge,
“I hereby, as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, declare Sowore wanted for alleged offences including causing disturbance of public peace and planning to obstruct traffic and create hardship for Lagos residents.
“He should be aware that we are closing on him. He should report himself to the nearest police station, because I am going to arrest him, investigate him and prosecute him.”
The Commissioner emphasised the importance of the location and the police presence, “This location is vital to the city’s economy and the wellbeing of commuters. We will not allow any action, peaceful or otherwise that seeks to block the bridge and disrupt livelihoods.
“Anyone attempting to disturb public peace will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted. Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy, and we cannot afford chaos here.”
Olohundare Jimoh warned against threatening the infrastructure noting, “Any attempt to obstruct the Third Mainland Bridge is a direct threat to public safety and national infrastructure.”
He added that police units were strategically deployed around key points including Iyana-Oworo, Ilubirin, Berger bus stop, and terminals to prevent any attempts at disruption. So far, 13 arrests have been made linked to “miscreant” activities.
In response, Sowore wrote on his verified Facebook page, “The Lagos Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh , has reportedly declared me ‘wanted’ for ‘disturbance of public peace’, allegedly as a result of his officers’ inability to execute a ‘shoot on sight’ order given by his illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun in Oworonsoki today.
“Despite my repeated attempts to contact Nigeria Police Force Commissioner Jimoh, he has not taken my calls; nevertheless, I plan to meet with him soon to address his declaration.”
The situation remains tense as Lagos authorities prepare to prevent any coordinated disruptions on critical transport links including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.
