JUST IN: Police declare Sowore wanted over planned protest in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has declared activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, wanted for allegedly plotting to instigate public unrest and obstruct major roads in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, made this known on Monday while briefing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge.

Jimoh said that Sowore, who leads the “Take It Back Movement,” ignored earlier warnings from the police not to mobilise protests over 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 cautioned that anyone attempting to cause disturbances or block public roads would “face the full weight of the law.”

According to the commissioner, intelligence reports indicated that Sowore and his associates were planning simultaneous demonstrations at strategic locations such as the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.

Describing the alleged plan as “criminal,” Jimoh warned that it could cause severe 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.

The police chief revealed that 13 suspects connected to the planned protest had already been arrested, while Sowore allegedly fled.

He said investigations were ongoing to uncover the sponsors and collaborators behind the plan.

Jimoh disclosed that police officers had been deployed across major highways and bridges, where temporary roadblocks and diversions had been mounted.

“The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” he stated.

Addressing concerns over the recent demolitions in parts of Lagos, particularly Oworonshoki, Jimoh maintained 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.

He urged residents to go about their normal activities without fear, assuring that the police and other security agencies were on top of the situation.

“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” Jimoh declared.

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The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour, emphasising that “freedom of expression must not turn into public nuisance or risk lives.”

It was earlier reported that Sowore had threatened to stage a protest against the demolition of houses in Oworoshoki following the controversy surrounding the demolitions.

Sowore made this known shortly after he was granted bail in Abuja alongside Nnamdi Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor; Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; and other protesters.

But the commissioner cautioned Sowore against mobilising protests over the demolitions. He said that the command had made massive deployments across the city to forestall any planned demonstrations that could lead to public disorder.

Jimoh emphasised that the command would not tolerate any attempt to block major highways or disrupt the peace currently being enjoyed in Lagos.