Lagos Police Commissioner Says Declaring Sowore Wanted Was His Legal Right
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has defended his decision to declare activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore wanted. He said the declaration was made within his constitutional powers to maintain peace and security in Lagos. The Commissioner spoke during an interview on Channels Television, where he explained the reason behind the police action.
According to Jimoh, the police acted after monitoring Sowore’s posts online. He claimed that Sowore was planning what he described as a “violent protest” that could disrupt movement and public safety. He stated that the police had the right to stop anything that could cause disorder or put lives at risk.
The police commissioner said Sowore shared a message online indicating he was leaving Abuja for Lagos to lead demonstrators in blocking the Third Mainland Bridge. Because of this, security agencies moved quickly to cordon off the area and prevent the planned action. The police also said they arrested 13 people believed to be connected to the protest and seized a vehicle with loudspeakers and a generator meant for the demonstration.
Jimoh said making Sowore wanted was not personal but a step to prevent chaos. He emphasized that he has the legal authority to stop any act that can endanger citizens or cause crisis. He added that anyone who disagreed with his decision could challenge it in court instead of debating it publicly.
He also stated that there was no directive from the Inspector-General of Police ordering him to declare Sowore wanted. He said claims that the IGP was behind the move were false and created to mislead the public. According to him, the decision was taken based on security intelligence, not political pressure.
The declaration of Sowore as wanted on November 3 sparked public debate and strong reactions online. Many Nigerians questioned whether the police had followed the law, while others believed the move was necessary if a protest could become violent.
Sowore, however, has rejected the wanted status. He argued that the police have no right to declare a citizen wanted without a court warrant. He described the act as unlawful and politically driven. Sowore also said that the declaration happened only after police officers failed to ambush him earlier that day, a claim the commissioner strongly denied.
Jimoh concluded that his actions were taken to protect lives, property, and maintain peace in Lagos. He said the police will continue to prevent any activity that could cause mayhem or disturb the movement of people in the state.
