Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh Moshood, has confirmed that activist Omoyele Sowore is still wanted after failing to report to the authorities following his declaration for allegedly planning to incite public unrest and block major roads in the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Moshood dismissed reports that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) had issued an order against Sowore, describing such claims as “misinformation.” He said his actions were within the powers granted to him under the Constitution.
According to the Commissioner, intelligence reports indicated that Sowore allegedly mobilised supporters to block the Third Mainland Bridge, an act he said could have put lives at risk and disrupted economic activities in Lagos.
“I have the constitutional power to maintain public safety and public order within Lagos State. When someone is mobilising thousands to march on the Third Mainland Bridge, which is critical to the country, I cannot allow that,” he said.
Moshood said the police moved to disperse the crowd using minimum force and recovered a vehicle fitted with loudspeakers and a generator allegedly meant for the planned protest. He added that 13 suspects were arrested.
He also noted that no formal request for a peaceful protest was submitted to the police and that Sowore went into hiding during the protest.
“He has gone into hiding. His lawyer sent a message indicating he would report at the State CID in Panti, but he has failed to show up. We will do everything within the law to get him arrested, investigated, and prosecuted,” he stated.
The Commissioner maintained that declaring Sowore wanted was lawful and necessary to prevent unrest in Lagos.
He added that the police would continue to enforce law and order across the state and would not allow critical infrastructure like the Third Mainland Bridge to be used for protests.
