The Lagos State Police Command has declared human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, wanted over an alleged plot to incite public disorder and obstruct major roads across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, made the announcement on Monday during a briefing at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
CP Jimoh alleged that intelligence reports had linked Sowore and his associates to plans to stage coordinated demonstrations at strategic locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.
“The command is closing in on Mr. Sowore and others accused of coordinating activities intended to disrupt public peace,” the Commissioner said. “Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found.”
He warned that any attempt to block major roads or incite unrest would be met with decisive action.
“Anyone attempting to cause disturbance or block our roads will face the full weight of the law,” CP Jimoh declared. “It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily.”
The police boss disclosed that 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the planned protest, while Sowore allegedly fled. He said investigations were ongoing to identify sponsors and collaborators.
To prevent possible disruptions, Jimoh said officers had been deployed to key areas across the city, particularly major bridges and highways, where temporary roadblocks and diversions had been established.
“The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” he explained.
Jimoh also addressed public tension arising from recent demolitions in parts of Lagos, particularly in the Oworo-Soki area, saying that affected residents had been duly 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.
He assured Lagos residents of their safety and urged them to continue their normal activities without fear.
“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” Jimoh vowed.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, the Commissioner stressed that while citizens had the right to free expression, such rights must not be abused.
“Freedom of expression must not turn into public nuisance or risk lives,” he said.
The police, he added, would enforce the law “without fear or favour” to preserve peace and protect critical infrastructure in the state.
