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The Lagos State Police Command has declared human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, wanted over an alleged plan to incite public disorder and obstruct major roads across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, made the announcement on Monday, October 3, while addressing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
According to the police chief, intelligence reports indicated that Sowore and his associates were planning to stage coordinated demonstrations at key 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. Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” Jimoh warned.
He added 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. It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” he said.
The Commissioner further revealed that 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the alleged protest plot, while Sowore was said to have fled. Investigations, he said, were ongoing to identify possible sponsors and collaborators.
To forestall disruption, Jimoh confirmed that officers had been deployed to major bridges and highways across Lagos, with temporary roadblocks and diversions set up in strategic areas.
He also warned against gatherings on the Third Mainland Bridge, explaining that it was not designed to hold large stationary crowds due to structural risks.
Addressing public concerns over recent demolitions in parts of Lagos, particularly the Oworo-Soki area, the police boss maintained that affected residents had been compensated and urged the public not to use the situation as an excuse for unrest.
“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke a crisis under the guise of protest,” he stated.
Jimoh assured Lagosians of their safety and urged them to go about their normal activities without fear.
“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” he vowed.
