November 03, (THEWILL) — The Lagos State Police Command, on Monday, declared activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, wanted for allegedly coordinating plans to incite public disturbance and obstruct major roads across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, announced this during a press briefing at the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge, one of the locations security agencies claim was targeted for a planned mass blockade.
Jimoh accused Sowore and unnamed associates of mobilising activities capable of disrupting peace and paralysing movement across strategic parts of Lagos, warning that the activist must submit himself to law enforcement immediately.
“Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found. Anyone attempting to cause disturbance or block our roads will face the full weight of the law”, the Commissioner told journalists
According to the police, intelligence reports allegedly uncovered plans to stage coordinated demonstrations at sensitive points, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate and Freedom Park — locations notorious for past high-tension civic actions in the state.
Describing the alleged plans as criminal, Jimoh said attempts to block such critical economic and mobility corridors could endanger lives, trigger chaos, and bring Lagos to a standstill. “It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily”, he said.
The police chief disclosed that 13 individuals had already been arrested in connection with what the command termed a “planned disturbance”, alleging that Sowore fled shortly before operatives moved in. He added that investigations had begun to identify sponsors and collaborators.
Jimoh revealed that security personnel had been deployed across key flashpoints, particularly bridges and highways, where temporary roadblocks and traffic diversions had been established to forestall any planned unrest.
“The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks”, he said, arguing that the alleged action could have triggered a public safety emergency.
He further addressed heightened emotions over recent demolitions in the Oworo-Soki axis of Lagos, insisting that all eligible residents affected by government clearance exercises had already been compensated in line with state policy.
“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke a crisis under the guise of protest”, Jimoh maintained, accusing unnamed groups of attempting to exploit public sympathy.
The Commissioner appealed to Lagosians to go about their normal daily activities without fear, assuring that security agencies remained proactive and vigilant to maintain order across the state.
“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos”, he affirmed, stressing that the police would enforce the law “without fear or favour”.
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