The Lagos State Police Command has declared activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, wanted for allegedly plotting to incite public unrest and block major roads across the state.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh announced this on Monday during a press briefing at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge.
According to Jimoh, Sowore — who leads the Take It Back Movement — ignored several warnings from the police not to organise protests over the recent demolition of houses in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos.
“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,” the commissioner said.
Jimoh warned that anyone attempting to cause disturbances or obstruct public roads would “face the full weight of the law.”
The commissioner explained that intelligence reports revealed Sowore and his associates were planning simultaneous demonstrations at strategic points such as the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.
Describing the alleged plan as “criminal,” he said the move could create major traffic disruptions 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.
Jimoh also revealed that 13 suspects connected to the planned protest had already been arrested, while Sowore had allegedly fled. The police, he said, were investigating the sponsors and collaborators behind the plot.
He noted that officers had been deployed across major roads, bridges, and highways, where temporary checkpoints and diversions had been set up.
“The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” Jimoh stated.
Addressing public concerns about the recent demolitions in Oworonshoki, the commissioner insisted that the 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.
Jimoh urged Lagos residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear, assuring that security agencies were on high alert to maintain peace.
“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” he said.
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He emphasised that while citizens have the right to express themselves, such rights must not endanger others or disrupt public order.
“Freedom of expression must not turn into a public nuisance or risk lives,” Jimoh concluded.
Sowore had earlier vowed to lead a protest against the demolition of houses in aOworonshoki, despite prior warnings from the police not to mobilise demonstrations over the issue.
