Lagos Police declare Sowore wanted

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

Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge. He said security operatives were closing in on Sowore and his associates 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,” Jimoh warned.

According to him, intelligence reports revealed plans to stage demonstrations at strategic locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park. The commissioner described the alleged plan as reckless and warned it could cause severe traffic congestion and endanger lives.

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

Jimoh confirmed 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.

He explained that police officers had been deployed to key areas across Lagos, particularly major bridges and highways, with temporary roadblocks and diversions to maintain peace and safeguard infrastructure.

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

Addressing concerns about recent demolitions in the Oworo-Soki area, Jimoh noted that affected residents had already been compensated by the government.

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

The commissioner urged Lagosians to go about their daily activities without fear, assuring that security agencies were on high alert to maintain order.

“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” he said, reiterating that freedom of expression must not turn into a threat to public peace.