Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has claimed that former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore does not have the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
He made the claim on Wednesday during an appearance on Sunrise Daily’, a programme on Channels Television.
“I want to make it abundantly clear that Sowore doesn’t have a NYSC certificate because of punitive reasons. He was posted to Adamawa, and he was evasive. He never did his service.
“So such a person that is not even qualified to bear the NYSC certificate of our great country, Nigeria, will now be coming out to disturb the peace of Lagos? We will not allow it,” he said.
Speaking further, Jimoh, defended his decision to declare Sowore, wanted, insisting the move was lawful and necessary to avert a planned violent protest in the state.
He 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.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]