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Lagos CP, Olohundare Jimoh insists action was lawful and aimed at preventing unrest.
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Says Sowore’s social media post signalled plan to block Third Mainland Bridge.
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Clarifies that no directive came from the Inspector-General of Police.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has defended his decision to declare activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, wanted, saying he acted within his constitutional powers to maintain public order.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, the Commissioner explained that his action followed intelligence reports indicating plans for a violent protest in Lagos.
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“I have the right to declare him wanted. Anyone who says otherwise should go to court,” Jimoh stated confidently.
He said the police acted promptly after monitoring posts allegedly made by Sowore suggesting plans to mobilise protesters to block the Third Mainland Bridge.
According to him, security operatives sealed off parts of Lagos and arrested 13 suspects linked to the protest. He added that a vehicle loaded with loudspeakers and a generator, allegedly intended for the demonstration, was also seized.
“I don’t just declare Sowore wanted. He posted that he was heading to Lagos after taking a bath in Abuja, to block the Third Mainland Bridge. We cordoned off the entire area and made alternative arrangements for traffic,” the CP explained.
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Jimoh said his decision was guided by the need to protect lives, property, and public safety, adding that the Constitution empowers the police to prevent crime before it occurs.
He also clarified that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, did not issue any directive for Sowore’s arrest, describing such reports as false.
“The IGP has not given such an order to me or to any police formation in the country,” Jimoh stated.
The controversy erupted on November 3, after police declared Sowore wanted for alleged acts capable of disturbing public peace.
Reacting, Sowore dismissed the declaration as unlawful, arguing that no police officer has the authority to declare a citizen wanted without a court order.
He claimed the move was an act of retaliation following the police’s failure to execute a “shoot-at-sight” directive against him during the Oworonshoki protest.
Jimoh, however, dismissed the allegations as baseless, insisting that no such order was ever issued against Sowore.
