The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has defended his decision to declare activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, wanted.
He insisted the move was within his constitutional authority to maintain public order and prevent unrest.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Jimoh said the declaration followed intelligence suggesting plans for a “violent protest” in Lagos.
“I have the right to declare him wanted. Anyone who says otherwise should go to court,” CP Olohundare Jimoh said.
According to the police chief, officers acted on social media posts allegedly made by Sowore, indicating plans to mobilise protesters to block the Third Mainland Bridge.
He disclosed that police preemptively cordoned off strategic areas and arrested 13 suspects linked to the planned demonstration. A vehicle carrying loudspeakers and a generator, reportedly intended for the protest, was also impounded.
“I didn’t just declare Sowore wanted. When he posted on X that he had taken a bath in Abuja and was heading to Lagos to block the Third Mainland Bridge, we prepared adequately,” Jimoh said.
“We secured the area and ensured alternative routes for commuters.”
The commissioner emphasised that his actions aimed solely at ensuring public safety and preventing chaos across the state.
“I have the right under the Constitution to prevent crime and to stop anyone from causing mayhem in the country,” he added.
Jimoh further clarified that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) did not direct him to declare Sowore wanted, describing reports suggesting otherwise as “mischievous.”
“The IGP has not given such an order not to me or to any other police command in the country,” he stated.
The controversy began on November 3, when the police announced that Sowore was wanted for acts “capable of disturbing public peace” and for allegedly planning to obstruct traffic on the bridge.
Sowore, however, dismissed the declaration as unlawful. In a statement, he maintained that no police officer, including a commissioner, has the authority to declare anyone wanted without a court warrant.
He further claimed the move followed a failed police attempt to ambush him during a protest in Oworonshoki.
“When the ambush failed, they declared me wanted,” Sowore wrote on X.
Jimoh also denied allegations that the IGP had issued a “shoot-at-sight” order against Sowore, insisting no such directive existed.
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