Omoyele Sowore
Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its resolve to arrest political activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over what it described as plans to orchestrate violent demonstrations within the state.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh made this known during a high-level security meeting held on Monday at the command headquarters in Ikeja.
According to Jimoh, despite being invited for questioning, Sowore had failed to honour the police invitation. The commissioner explained that the move to declare him wanted was in line with Section 215 (1, 4, and 5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates the police to maintain peace and protect lives and property.
> “He never showed up. If you are declared wanted, you are expected to report to the nearest police station, not to call me on the phone,” Jimoh stated.
He further directed all officers to arrest Sowore “wherever he is found — on the road, in a restaurant, or elsewhere,” and to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department for interrogation.
Jimoh revealed that security personnel had earlier intercepted a group of about 300 people allegedly mobilising for a disruptive protest on the Third Mainland Bridge. Thirteen suspects were arrested, while a vehicle loaded with loudspeakers and a generator was seized.
Dismissing criticism on social media, the commissioner said his actions were fully backed by law.
> “Anyone who feels aggrieved can go to court. As CP, I will continue to act within the law to safeguard the people of Lagos State. We won’t allow enemies of progress to plunge Lagos into chaos,” he maintained.
The police chief also clarified that he had not received any court order restraining the force from arresting Sowore.
> “As of now, I have not been served any order. The Nigerian Police Force respects the rule of law, and once an order is served, I will comply immediately,” Jimoh assured.
He instructed Area Commanders, DPOs, and Tactical Units to remain alert and arrest the activist if sighted anywhere outside a courtroom.
The commissioner referenced the attempted protest of September 8 on the Third Mainland Bridge, describing it as a reckless act that endangered lives and disrupted the city’s economy.
> “Only someone who needs his head examined would attempt a protest on the Third Mainland Bridge. Such critical infrastructure, built with taxpayers’ money, must be protected at all costs,” he said.
Jimoh stressed that the police acted within constitutional limits during the incident, dispersing the crowd with minimal force and preventing casualties.
He also warned that blocking major bridges or roads could endanger lives, emphasizing that “any threat to the Third Mainland Bridge is a threat to the safety and economy of Lagos.”
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Jimoh mentioned several new policing initiatives, including the Eko Strike Force, Anti-Cultism Teams, and Anti-Car Theft Squads.
> “Since assuming office, we have expanded our tactical units from 23 to 33. The Anti-Car Theft Unit alone has recovered over 60 stolen vehicles, some from other states,” he noted.
He commended officers for their commitment to maintaining order in a city of over 20 million residents and expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun for their continued support.
> “Lagos remains safe. There is no cause for fear or tension. We will continue to protect every resident and visitor within the bounds of the law,” Jimoh assured.
In his remarks, human rights activist and police reform advocate Segun Awosanya (Segalink) lauded the commissioner’s leadership, describing him as a “no-nonsense professional” dedicated to upholding law and order.
Awosanya, recalling his role in the early #EndSARS advocacy, stressed that genuine reform should come through dialogue and policy change, not disruptive protests.
He also criticised “grant-driven activism,” which he said weakens sincere advocacy and national unity, while pledging continued support for the police in their efforts to maintain peace in Lagos.
> “Lawlessness will not be tolerated in this state, no matter one’s social status or influence,” Awosanya declared.
(NAN)
