The Lagos State Police Command has declared activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, wanted for allegedly planning to incite public unrest and obstruct major roads across the state.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, during a press briefing on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge.
Jimoh explained that Sowore, who leads the “Take It Back Movement,” disregarded previous warnings from the police not to mobilise protests in response to the recent demolition of houses in the Oworonshoki area.
“We are closing in on Sowore and others involved in coordinating activities intended to disrupt public peace.
“Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” he said.
He further warned that anyone attempting to instigate unrest or obstruct public roads would “face the full weight of the law.”
According to the commissioner, intelligence reports revealed that Sowore and his associates were allegedly planning simultaneous protests at strategic points such as the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.
Jimoh described the alleged plan as “criminal,” noting that it could cause severe traffic congestion 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.
The police boss said 13 suspects linked to the planned protest had already been arrested, while Sowore was said to have fled. He noted that investigations were underway to identify the sponsors and collaborators behind the alleged scheme.
Jimoh also disclosed that officers had been stationed along major roads and bridges, with temporary checkpoints and diversions put in place.
“The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” he stated.
On the issue of the recent demolitions in parts of Lagos, especially Oworonshoki, the commissioner insisted that affected residents had been compensated.
“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke a crisis under the guise of protest,” he said.
Jimoh called on Lagos residents to continue their normal routines, assuring that the police and other security agencies had the situation under control.
“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” Jimoh declared.
He reaffirmed the police command’s resolve to enforce the law without bias, stressing that “freedom of expression must not turn into public nuisance or risk lives.”
Earlier, reports indicate that Sowore had vowed to stage a protest against the demolition of houses in Oworonshoki following public outrage over the exercise.
He made the announcement shortly after being granted bail in Abuja alongside Nnamdi Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor; Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; and other demonstrators.
The commissioner, however, warned Sowore against holding any protests over the demolitions and confirmed that the command had made extensive security deployments to prevent demonstrations capable of causing public disorder.
Jimoh maintained that the police would not permit any attempt to block key highways or disrupt the peace in Lagos.
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