The Lagos State Police Command has declared activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, wanted for allegedly plotting to instigate public unrest and obstruct major roads in the state.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh made the disclosure on Monday while briefing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge.
Jimoh said Sowore, who leads the “Take It Back Movement,” ignored repeated police warnings not to mobilise protests over the recent demolition of houses in Oworonshoki.
“We are closing in on Sowore and others involved in coordinating activities intended to disrupt public peace.
Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” Jimoh stated.
The commissioner warned that anyone attempting to cause disturbances or block public roads would “face the full weight of the law.”
According to him, intelligence reports revealed that Sowore and his associates planned simultaneous demonstrations at strategic locations including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.
Jimoh described the alleged plan as “criminal,” noting that it could trigger severe traffic disruption and endanger lives.
“It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” he added.
The police chief revealed that 13 suspects connected to the planned protest had already been arrested, while Sowore allegedly fled.
He added that investigations were ongoing to identify the sponsors and collaborators behind the plan.
Jimoh also confirmed that police officers had been deployed across major highways and bridges, with temporary roadblocks and diversions mounted to maintain order.
“The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” he warned.
Addressing the Oworonshoki demolitions, Jimoh said affected residents had been compensated and accused Sowore of attempting to provoke a crisis under the guise of protest.
“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification for any form of unrest,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to go about their normal activities, assuring that the police and other security agencies were on top of the situation.
“We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” Jimoh vowed, adding that freedom of expression must not become a public nuisance or threat to life.
Earlier, Sowore had vowed to stage a protest against the demolitions in Oworonshoki, a move the police had warned him against.
