Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Police Command has declared human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, wanted over alleged public disturbance.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Olorundare Jimoh, warned Sowore against mobilising protests over the recent demolition of buildings in Oworonshoki area of the state.
Recall that Sowore had threatened to stage a protest against the demolition of houses in Oworoshoki.
The demolition, according to the state government, was part of its urban modernisation project.
Despite police warning, the members of the Take It Back Movement, led by Sowore, on Monday defied the directive and embarked on a peaceful protest.
They were, however, dispersed by anti-riot police and operatives of the state taskforce, who fired tear gas canisters at the protesters.
Meanwhile, Sowore was reportedly absent during the protest.
Speaking after security operatives dispersed the crowd, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olorundare Jimoh, declared Sowore wanted for allegedly attempting to incite public disorder.
“He has put all the plan in motion to obstruct traffic on the third mainland bridge. It is an act that causes serious felony. It is to cause hardship on Nigerians, especially visitors who are transiting the route.
“We will not allow this to happen. We are closing in on him. Wherever he is, we will get him. We have it on video, he flew in from Abuja and he did not come down. Why did he not come down, it was because he is afraid,” the CP said.
The CP had earlier explained that the command had received actionable intelligence on possible disruptions and acted promptly to forestall breakdown of order.
“If anyone had succeeded in carrying out any incident here, it would have been disastrous. We cannot allow that. Blocking the bridge, which serves millions daily, is not acceptable,” Jimoh said.
According to Jimoh, the police have made massive deployments across strategic locations in Lagos to prevent any planned demonstrations that could lead to public disorder or traffic disruption.
“As you can see, there’s a massive operational deployment. This is to protect lives and property and to secure the Third Mainland Bridge. The bridge is vital to our economy and the daily survival of Lagos residents,” he said.
He emphasised that while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, protests must follow due process and not infringe on the rights of others.
He continued, “Such actions are criminal in nature, and we advise people to stay out of it. The police will respond firmly—but within the law—to prevent unnecessary hardship for other Nigerians.”
