Background
The Lagos State Police Command, led by Olohundare Jimoh, has affirmed that activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has been declared wanted and remains so, following alleged plans to mobilise protests in Lagos. The move comes amid heightened tension over recent demolition exercises and concerns about large‑scale disruption of traffic and public order.
What the Police Allegations Are
The police allegations against Sowore include:
- Intelligence reports indicated he and his associates planned demonstrations that would block major routes such as the Third Mainland Bridge, a vital traffic corridor in Lagos.
- He ignored repeated police warnings not to mobilise residents around the demolition‑affected Oworonshoki area.
- Operationally, 13 suspects tied to the alleged plot have already been arrested and equipment/appurtenances such as loudspeakers and generators have been seized.
Jimoh has declared that the police will “do everything within the ambit of the law” to arrest, investigate, and prosecute Sowore and his associates.
Sowore’s Response
Sowore has rejected the declaration, arguing that:
- He has made overtures to meet with CP Jimoh to cooperate and surrender if asked, but claims his calls have been ignored.
- He alleges that the “wanted” declaration is aimed at silencing his activism, describing it as unjustified and politically motivated.
- He also disputed a reported “shoot‑on‑sight” order by the Nigeria Police Force Inspector‑General, describing it as misinformation. The police denied such an order exists.
Legal and Public Order Considerations
The case raises multiple legal and civic issues:
- Law enforcement powers: The Lagos Police Commissioner defends the right to declare an individual wanted when intelligence indicates a credible threat to public order.
- Right to protest vs public safety: While the right to peaceful protest is enshrined in law, the police argue that planned blockades of major infrastructure (like the Third Mainland Bridge) could pose serious risks to lives, commerce, and infrastructure integrity.
- Due process concerns: Sowore’s side argues that the “wanted” status without formal warrant undermines his rights and could set a precedent for curtailing dissent.
- Political overtones: As a high‑profile activist, Sowore’s targeting is likely to be perceived politically, adding complexity to public perception and response.
What Happens Next
- Sowore may choose to present himself at a police station or CID office to cooperate.
- The police will likely maintain deployment in Lagos, especially around strategic infrastructure, and may initiate further arrests of associates.
- Public and media scrutiny is expected to intensify, with civil society and human‑rights organisations monitoring the balance between security enforcement and civil‑liberty protections.
- Legal challenges may emerge if Sowore argues that his declaration as “wanted” violates procedure or rights — this could go to court.
Significance
- For Lagos: The case underscores how state security organs view large‑scale protests as possible threats to infrastructure, commerce, and safety.
- For activism in Nigeria: The situation may signal how far the state is willing to go in responding to dissent, raising discussions about the space for protest and the mechanisms for managing it.
- For rule‑of‑law debates: Balancing intelligence‑led preventive policing with transparency, rights of citizens, and the perception of fairness will be critical.
Conclusion
Omoyele Sowore’s status as “wanted” by the Lagos Police is not merely a law‑and‑order story — it sits at the intersection of activism, public policy, security, and civic rights. The coming days will reveal whether his arrest materializes, how the legal process unfolds, and what implications the case will have for protest culture and policing in Nigeria.
By
