Police Declare Sowore Wanted Over Alleged Plot to Disrupt Peace

The Lagos State Police Command has declared activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, wanted for allegedly plotting to instigate public unrest and obstruct major roads across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, made this known on Monday during a press briefing at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge.

Jimoh accused Sowore, the convener of the Take It Back Movement, of ignoring repeated police warnings against mobilising protests over the recent demolition of houses in Oworonshoki.

“We are closing in on Sowore and others involved in 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.

The police commissioner said intelligence reports revealed that Sowore and his associates were planning simultaneous demonstrations at key locations including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.

Describing the alleged plan as “criminal,” Jimoh said such actions could cripple traffic flow, endanger lives, and undermine public order.

“It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” he said.
“Freedom of expression must not turn into public nuisance or risk lives.”

Jimoh also revealed that 13 suspects linked to the planned protest had been arrested, while Sowore was reportedly on the run.

“Investigations are ongoing to identify sponsors and collaborators behind this plot,” he added.

Jimoh disclosed that police personnel had been deployed across major roads and bridges in Lagos, including the Third Mainland Bridge, where temporary roadblocks and diversions had been set up to forestall any disruption.

“The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” he explained.

He assured Lagos residents that the police and sister security agencies were fully prepared to maintain peace and protect lives and property.

“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” Jimoh said.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the recent demolitions in Oworonshoki, the police commissioner insisted that affected residents had been compensated by the Lagos State Government.

“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke a crisis under the guise of protest,” he maintained.

Jimoh urged residents to go about their normal activities without fear, warning that anyone found inciting violence would face the full weight of the law.

It was reported earlier that Sowore had threatened to lead a mass protest over the demolitions in Oworonshoki, which displaced several families.

The Lagos State Police Command had, however, warned him against mobilising demonstrations, citing security risks and possible public disorder.

With the latest declaration, tensions remain high as the police intensify efforts to track down the activist and his associates.