Lagos: Police declare Sowore wanted over alleged plot to incite public disorder

The Lagos State Police Command has declared activist Mr. Omoyele Sowore wanted for allegedly planning to incite public unrest and obstruct major roads in the state.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, announced this on Monday while briefing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge.

Jimoh said the command was intensifying efforts to apprehend Sowore and others accused of coordinating activities aimed at disrupting public peace.

“Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found.
Anyone attempting to cause disturbance or block our roads will face the full weight of the law,”
the commissioner warned.

He disclosed that intelligence reports indicated plans by Sowore and his associates to stage demonstrations at key locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.

Describing the alleged plan as criminal, Jimoh said such actions could cause severe traffic disruptions and pose risks to public safety.

“It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,”
he remarked.

The police boss revealed that 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the planned protest, while Sowore was said to have fled. He added that investigations were ongoing to identify sponsors and collaborators.

Jimoh further stated that officers had been deployed to key areas, including bridges and highways, where temporary roadblocks and diversions were being enforced to maintain order and protect critical infrastructure.

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

Addressing concerns about tensions linked to recent demolitions  in parts of Lagos, particularly Oworo-Soki, the commissioner said affected residents had been compensated.

“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke crisis under the guise of protest,” he added.

Jimoh urged Lagosians to go about their lawful activities without fear, assuring that the police and other security agencies were fully deployed to maintain peace and order.

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

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing the law impartially, stressing that freedom of expression must not degenerate into public nuisance or threats to lives and property.