By Deborah Nnamdi
The Lagos State Police Command has declared activist Omoyele Sowore wanted for allegedly planning to incite public disorder and obstruct major roads across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, made the announcement on Monday while briefing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge.
Jimoh said security operatives were closing in on Sowore and others accused of coordinating activities aimed at disturbing public peace and disrupting traffic flow in the state.
“Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” the commissioner warned. “Anyone attempting to cause disturbance or block our roads will face the full weight of the law.”
According to Jimoh, intelligence reports revealed that Sowore and his associates planned to stage demonstrations at key locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.
He described the alleged plan as “criminal,” warning that it could lead to severe traffic gridlock and endanger lives.
“It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” he said.
The commissioner disclosed that 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the planned protest, while Sowore reportedly fled the area. Investigations are ongoing to identify sponsors and other collaborators.
Jimoh added that police officers had been deployed across critical areas of Lagos, including major bridges and highways, with temporary roadblocks and diversions introduced to maintain order.
“The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” he explained.
Addressing tension linked to recent demolitions in parts of Lagos, particularly in the Oworo-Soki area, Jimoh said affected residents had been compensated and warned against using the issue to incite unrest.
“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke crisis under the guise of protest,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear, assuring that security agencies were fully mobilised to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” Jimoh said, reaffirming the command’s commitment to enforcing the law without bias.
He further emphasised that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it must not be abused to create chaos or endanger lives.
