Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has defended the police’s decision to declare Omoyele Sowore wanted, stating that it falls within his constitutional powers.
Recall that the police boss on Monday announced the activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters as wanted for “acts capable of disturbing public peace” and planning to obstruct traffic on the bridge.
The police commissioner during an interview on Channels Television’s on Wednesday, said he acted lawfully to prevent what he described as a planned “violent protest” in Lagos.
“I have the right to declare him wanted. Any person who says I don’t have such a right should go to court,” the police commissioner said.
The police acted quickly after monitoring alleged posts by Sowore, which suggested plans to mobilise protesters to block the Third Mainland Bridge, according to Jimoh.
He stated that the police took preventive measures by securing areas in Lagos and apprehending 13 suspects linked to the protest. Additionally, a vehicle carrying loudspeakers and a generator meant for the demonstration was confiscated.
Jimoh said, “I don’t just declare (Sowore) wanted. When he posted something on his X handle, and it’s there for people to verify, that he had just taken a bath in Abuja, and the next point is Lagos, to block the Third Mainland Bridge.
“And we were well prepared. We cordoned off the entire area where he’s designated to come and conduct these violent protests. And we ensured that we made alternative arrangements for people to use.”
The commissioner emphasised that his actions were driven by the need to ensure public safety, protect lives and property, and prevent chaos in the state.
“I have the right under the Constitution to prevent crime from occurring, to prevent anybody that wants to take us into the house, to cause mayhem across the country,” he added.
The commissioner clarified that the Inspector-General of Police hadn’t instructed that Sowore be declared wanted, dismissing contrary reports as “mischievous”.
“The IGP, I say without any doubt, has not given such an order. And he has not given it not only to me, to virtually all the police institutions across the country,” he said.
