The Lagos State Police Command has declared human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore wanted over allegations of plotting to incite public disorder and block major roads across the state.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this to journalists on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge, one of the key locations allegedly targeted for protests.
According to Jimoh, intelligence reports indicated that Sowore and his associates planned to organize demonstrations at strategic points, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park, which authorities said could endanger lives and cause severe traffic disruptions.
“Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” Jimoh warned. “Anyone attempting to cause disturbance or block our roads will face the full weight of the law.”
He said 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the alleged plot, while Sowore was reported to have fled. Investigations are ongoing to uncover sponsors and collaborators.
The commissioner emphasized that the police had deployed personnel across critical infrastructure points, including bridges and highways, where temporary roadblocks and diversions were being enforced for public safety.
“The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” Jimoh noted.
Addressing tensions following recent demolitions in the Oworo-Soki area of Lagos, the commissioner said affected and eligible residents had been compensated by the government, describing fresh protests as unnecessary attempts to provoke 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.
Jimoh urged Lagos residents to go about their daily activities without fear, assuring that law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to maintain peace.
“We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” he said, stressing that while freedom of expression is protected, it must not evolve into actions that endanger lives or disrupt public order.
