Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore on Monday confirmed that he is aware of the Lagos Police Command declaring him wanted over alleged public disturbance.
The declaration was made by Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh in the early hours, following plans by Sowore and his supporters to block the Third Mainland Bridge in protest of house demolitions in Oworonshoki.
CP Jimoh led anti-riot officers to the bridge from 8 a.m., deploying personnel extensively to prevent any group from halting traffic or disrupting economic and daily activities.
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He stated:“I hereby, as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, declare Sowore wanted for alleged offences including causing disturbance of public peace and planning to obstruct traffic and create hardship for Lagos residents. He should be aware that we are closing on him. He should report himself to the nearest police station, because I am going to arrest him, investigate him and prosecute him.”
The CP questioned why Sowore, who had previously staged protests in Abuja, was not in Lagos to face the situation.
Regarding the heavy police presence, Jimoh explained it was meant to protect lives, safeguard critical infrastructure, and ensure free movement for thousands of commuters between Lagos Island and the mainland.
“This location is vital to the city’s economy and the wellbeing of commuters. We will not allow any action, peaceful or otherwise, that seeks to block the bridge and disrupt livelihoods. Anyone attempting to disturb public peace will be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted. Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy, and we cannot afford chaos here.”
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He warned that obstructing the bridge could threaten its structural integrity and public safety, emphasizing that bridges are meant for moving traffic, not prolonged stationary loads.
“Any attempt to obstruct the Third Mainland Bridge is a direct threat to public safety and national infrastructure,” he said.
Jimoh revealed that police units have been stationed at key points including Iyana-Oworo, Ilubirin, Berger bus stop, and terminals to prevent demonstrators from accessing the carriageway.
Traffic-control and tactical units have also been mobilized to maintain the flow of buses and private vehicles.
The CP told journalists that 13 arrests have been made in connection with “miscreant” activity and warned that those using the demolition issue to incite violence would be prosecuted according to the law.
He added that residents of Oworonshoki entitled to compensation had already received payments, and there was no justification for staging a disruptive protest on vital transport links.
Contingency deployments have also been made beyond the Third Mainland Bridge, with additional units at strategic locations such as Lekki Toll Gate and Freedom Park to prevent coordinated disruptions.
“We are on ground and prepared to deal with any eventuality within the confines of the law,” the CP said.
Responding via his verified Facebook page, Sowore said:“The Lagos Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, has reportedly declared me ‘wanted’ for ‘disturbance of public peace’, allegedly as a result of his officers’ inability to execute a ‘shoot on sight’ order given by his illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun in Oworonsoki today. Despite my repeated attempts to contact Nigeria Police Force Commissioner Jimoh, he has not taken my calls; nevertheless, I plan to meet with him soon to address his declaration.”
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