The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has defended his decision to declare activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, wanted, insisting the move was lawful and necessary to avert a planned violent protest in the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Jimoh maintained that he acted within his constitutional powers to maintain public order and protect lives and property.
He said, “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 explained that his decision followed intelligence reports and social media posts allegedly made by Sowore, which he claimed indicated plans to mobilise protesters to block the Third Mainland Bridge.
“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, we were well prepared,” Jimoh said.
He added that the police cordoned off strategic areas in Lagos to prevent a breakdown of law and order and arrested 13 suspects linked to the planned protest.
According to him, a vehicle carrying loudspeakers and a generator intended for the demonstration was also confiscated by security operatives.
“We ensured that we made alternative arrangements for people to use. Our duty is to prevent crime before it occurs,” he said.
Jimoh stressed that his action was guided by constitutional responsibility to protect public safety and was not influenced by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, contrary to viral claims.
“The IGP, I say without any doubt, has not given such an order, not to me, not to any police institution across the country. The reports claiming otherwise are mischievous,” he clarified.
He further emphasised that the preventive operation was part of proactive policing strategies designed to forestall disruptions that could cripple economic and social activities in Lagos.
Sowore Dismisses Wanted Declaration As Illegal
Reacting to the development, Omoyele Sowore described the declaration as unlawful, accusing the Lagos police command of abusing its powers.
In a statement, the activist argued that no police officer, including the commissioner, has the authority to declare a citizen wanted without a court-issued warrant.
“I was informed that the IGP dispatched police officers to ambush me today. When this attempt failed, they declared me wanted,” Sowore wrote.
He further alleged that the declaration followed the police’s failure to carry out an alleged shoot-at-sight order during a protest in Oworonshoki, a claim the police have firmly denied.
Police Reaffirm Commitment To Public Order
The commissioner reiterated that the police would continue to uphold citizens’ rights to peaceful protest while ensuring that demonstrations do not endanger public safety or paralyse essential services.
“I have the right under the Constitution to prevent crime from occurring, to stop anybody who wants to take us into chaos or cause mayhem across the country,” Jimoh stated.
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