The Lagos State Police Command has declared human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, wanted over an alleged plot to incite public disorder and obstruct major roads across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, made the announcement on Monday, October 3, during a press briefing at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
According to Jimoh, intelligence reports indicated that Sowore and his associates planned to stage coordinated demonstrations at strategic locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.
“The command is closing in on Mr. Sowore and others accused of coordinating activities intended to disrupt public peace. Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,”
the Commissioner warned.
He added that 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the planned protest, while Sowore was said to have fled. Investigations, he noted, were ongoing to identify the sponsors and collaborators behind the plan.
Jimoh cautioned that any attempt to block major roads or provoke unrest would be met with decisive action, stressing the potential safety risks of such gatherings.
“The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” he said.
The Commissioner also addressed concerns over recent demolitions in parts of Lagos, particularly in the Oworo–Soki area, saying that affected residents had been duly compensated.
“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke a crisis under the guise of protest,” he added.
Jimoh assured Lagos residents of their safety, urging them to go about their daily activities without fear.
“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” he vowed.