'I Have the Right to Declare Him Wanted’ – Lagos CP Defends Action Against Sowore

‘I Have the Right to Declare Him Wanted’ – Lagos CP Defends Action Against Sowore.
Sowore calls move illegal, accuses police of abuse of power.
Police reaffirm commitment to lawful protest and public order.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has justified his decision to declare activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, wanted, insisting the move was lawful and necessary to prevent a violent protest in the state.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Jimoh said he acted within his constitutional powers to maintain public safety and order. “I have the right to declare him wanted. Anyone who says otherwise should go to court,” he stated.

According to Jimoh, intelligence reports and social media posts allegedly made by Sowore indicated plans to mobilise protesters to block the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. “When he posted on his 𝕏 handle that he had just taken a bath in Abuja and the next stop was Lagos to block the Third Mainland Bridge, we were well prepared,” he explained.

The police chief said 13 suspects linked to the planned protest had been arrested, while a vehicle carrying loudspeakers and a generator intended for the demonstration was seized. “Our duty is to prevent crime before it occurs,” he added.

Jimoh stressed that the operation was a preventive measure, not influenced by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. “The IGP has not given such an order, not to me or any police command. The reports claiming otherwise are mischievous,” he clarified.

Reacting, Sowore dismissed the declaration as illegal, accusing the Lagos police of abusing their authority. “No police officer, including the commissioner, has the power to declare a citizen wanted without a court-issued warrant,” he said.

Jimoh, however, reaffirmed that the police remain committed to protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful protest while ensuring public safety. “My duty is to stop anyone trying to cause chaos or mayhem,” he concluded.