By Joy Yesufu
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 highways in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Olohundare Jimoh, made the announcement on Monday during a press briefing at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge.
Jimoh alleged that Sowore, convener of the Take It Back Movement, ignored police warnings not to mobilise protests over the recent demolition of houses in Oworonshoki.
“We are closing in on Sowore and others coordinating activities intended to disrupt public peace.
He is advised to surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” Jimoh said.
The commissioner warned that anyone attempting to cause disturbances or block public roads would “face the full weight of the law.”
According to him, police intelligence suggested that Sowore and his associates were planning simultaneous demonstrations at strategic points including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.
Describing the alleged plan as “criminal,” Jimoh said it could lead to severe traffic disruptions and endanger public safety.
“It is only someone who needs mental examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” he remarked.
Jimoh disclosed that 13 suspects connected to the planned protest had already been arrested, while Sowore was “currently on the run.”
He said investigations were ongoing to identify the sponsors and collaborators behind the alleged protest plot.
“The government has compensated those affected by the demolitions. There is no justification for provoking a crisis under the guise of protest,” he added.
The commissioner urged Lagos residents to remain calm, assuring that security agencies were on alert to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety. Freedom of expression must not become a public nuisance or endanger lives,” he said.
Sowore had earlier vowed to lead demonstrations against the Oworonshoki demolitions, which he described as “inhuman and unlawful.”
His statement came shortly after he was released on bail in Abuja alongside Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, and other activists arrested during a separate protest.
Jimoh said the police had deployed personnel across Lagos to forestall any attempt to stage disruptive protests or block major highways.
“Lagos is peaceful, and we intend to keep it that way,” he declared.
