Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has issued a strong reaction after the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, publicly declared him wanted over allegations of attempting to incite unrest in Lagos State.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Sowore dismissed the police declaration, insisting that the claims were baseless and politically motivated. He accused the police of acting under unlawful instructions and attempting to silence voices demanding accountability.
He wrote: “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.”
Sowore added that despite multiple attempts to reach Commissioner Jimoh for clarification, his calls were ignored. He however expressed his intention to personally meet the police chief soon to address what he described as an unfounded declaration.
Police Accuse Sowore of Destabilization Plot
Earlier reports revealed that the Lagos Police Command had named Sowore wanted, alleging that he planned to stir public disorder and obstruct major routes across the state.
Commissioner Jimoh, speaking to journalists at Iyana-Oworo, near the Third Mainland Bridge, said that security intelligence suggested Sowore and his associates were coordinating protests aimed at crippling movement in key strategic areas.
“Sowore should surrender himself to the nearest police station or be arrested wherever he is found,” Jimoh stated firmly. “Anyone attempting to cause disturbance or block our roads will face the full weight of the law.”
Security Measures Heightened in Lagos
Following the allegations, the police intensified patrols and surveillance around critical infrastructure, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park. Temporary checkpoints and increased manpower were deployed to deter any attempts at gatherings or demonstrations.
Jimoh stressed that blocking major access routes such as the Third Mainland Bridge — a critical artery for commuters — would not be tolerated, citing potential threats to public safety and structural risks to the bridge.
“The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks. It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt such an act,” he said.
Protest-Related Arrests Made
The Commissioner also confirmed that 13 suspects had been taken into custody over the allegedly planned protest activities. He added that investigations are ongoing to identify additional collaborators and financiers behind the movement.
[/p]“We are closing in on all those attempting to cause chaos. The law will take its course,” Jimoh emphasized.
Government Defends Actions Amid Public Concerns
Addressing questions surrounding recent demolitions in Oworonsoki that sparked tensions in the area, the Commissioner insisted that residents had received compensation and that the government acted within due process.
[/p]“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 Lagosians to continue their daily activities without fear, stating that the police remain committed to maintaining law and order across the state.
“Freedom of expression must not turn into public nuisance or put lives at risk,” Jimoh concluded, warning that security forces would take firm action against any perceived threats to peace.[/p]
Meanwhile, Sowore has maintained that he will not be intimidated and vows to confront what he calls state oppression and harassment of activists and citizens who demand justice and good governance.[/p][/p]