The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has justified his decision to declare activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, wanted, insisting that his action was within his constitutional powers to maintain law and order in the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Jimoh said the move was necessary to prevent what he described as a planned “violent protest” aimed at disrupting public peace 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 stated.
According to Jimoh, security operatives acted after monitoring posts allegedly made by Sowore on social media, which suggested plans to mobilise protesters to block the Third Mainland Bridge.
He disclosed that police officers had cordoned off parts of Lagos and arrested 13 suspects linked to the planned protest, adding that a vehicle equipped with loudspeakers and a generator intended for the demonstration was seized.
“When he posted something on his X handle that he had just taken a bath in Abuja and the next point was Lagos to block the Third Mainland Bridge, we moved swiftly,” Jimoh explained.
“We ensured we cordoned off the entire area and made alternative arrangements for commuters.”
The commissioner maintained that his actions were guided by the need to ensure public safety, protect lives and property, and prevent chaos.
“I have the right under the Constitution to prevent crime from occurring and to stop anybody who wants to cause mayhem across the country,” he added.
Jimoh, however, clarified that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, did not issue any directive to declare Sowore wanted, describing reports suggesting otherwise as “mischievous.”
“The IGP has not given such an order to me or to any police formation across the country,” he said.
The controversy began on November 3 when the Lagos Police Command declared Sowore wanted for “acts capable of disturbing public peace” and planning to obstruct traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge.
Sowore, however, rejected the move, describing it as unlawful. He argued that no police officer — including the commissioner — has the legal authority to declare an individual wanted without a court-issued warrant.
He further alleged that the declaration followed the police’s failure to execute a supposed “shoot-at-sight” order during a protest in Oworonshoki — a claim the police chief firmly denied.
“There was no shoot-at-sight order from the IGP or anyone,” Jimoh stated.
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