Omoyele Sowore, an activist and publisher, is wanted by the Lagos State Police Command on suspicion of inciting public unrest and blocking important roadways around the state.
Olohundare Jimoh, the Commissioner of Police, reportedly made the remark on Monday while speaking to reporters at the Iyana-Oworo portion of the Third Mainland Bridge. He warned that the command would not put up with any attempt to disturb public order.
Jimoh claims that intelligence data showed that Sowore and his allies had planned simultaneous protests at key areas, such as Freedom Park, Lekki Tollgate, and the Third Mainland Bridge.
“Sowore should surrender at the closest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” the Commissioner declared.
“The full force of the law will be applied to anyone attempting to obstruct our roads or cause disturbance.”
The police chief called the planned protests “criminal,” cautioning that they could cause severe traffic jams and put lives in danger.
“It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands every day,” he added.
Sowore is on the run after 13 people were arrested.
Sowore allegedly escaped before the operation started, but Jimoh revealed that 13 people had already been taken into custody in relation to the purported protest plot.
He said, “Investigations are ongoing to identify sponsors and collaborators.”
He revealed that in order to preserve order, security personnel had been strategically stationed at key areas throughout Lagos, such as bridges, highways, and entry crossings, where temporary roadblocks and diversions had been put in place.
“Stationary weight was not intended to be supported by the Third Mainland Bridge. The Commissioner cautioned that any meeting on it would present structural dangers.
Speaking about the recent demolitions in some areas of Lagos, especially the Oworo-Soki neighborhood, Jimoh refuted allegations that the work was done without pay.
“The government paid those impacted, and the media saw it,” he stated. There is no reason to incite a problem while pretending to be protesting.
Residents were reassured by the police chief that there was nothing to be alarmed about and that all security forces were fully mobilized to safeguard people and property.
We’re not dozing off. Anyone trying to compromise public safety in Lagos will be detained, looked into, and prosecuted, Jimoh declared.
He emphasized that although freedom of expression is guaranteed, it must not turn into public annoyance or lawlessness, reiterating the command’s commitment to upholding the law without fear or favor.
