What Happened
On Monday, 3 November 2025, the Lagos State Police Command officially declared activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore wanted. The declaration was made by the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, during a press briefing at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
According to the police, intelligence reports indicated that Sowore and his associates planned a demonstration at key locations in Lagos — including Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park — with the alleged aim of blocking major roads, disrupting traffic, and endangering public safety.
Police also announced that 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the plot. Sowore, they claimed, was absent and “on the run.” Authorities ordered him to report to the nearest police station or face arrest wherever found.
Why This Is Happening
The planned protest reportedly relates to recent demolitions of buildings in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos as part of a state urban renewal initiative. Sowore, leading the Take It Back Movement, had threatened to mobilise residents against what he described as “inhumane and insensitive” demolitions.
From the police’s standpoint:
- They argue that critical infrastructure like the Third Mainland Bridge cannot safely accommodate a mass protest, and blocking it could pose structural risks and major traffic disruptions.
- They maintain that while protest is a constitutionally guaranteed right, it must be organised legally, peacefully, and without infringing on others’ rights.
From Sowore’s side:
- He denies wrongdoing and claims the declaration is a tactic to silence dissent.
- He says police ignored his calls and labelled him wanted without giving him a chance to respond, using the demolition issue as a pretext to clamp down on legitimate protest.
Key Details
- Who: Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist, publisher, and leader of the Take It Back Movement.
- What: Declared wanted by Lagos police for allegedly plotting public disorder, obstruction of traffic, and disruption of public peace.
- Where: Lagos State — major locations include Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.
- When: 3 November 2025.
- Why: Linked to planned protests against demolitions in Oworonshoki and alleged plans to mobilise mass traffic-blocking actions.
Implications
For protest rights and civil liberties:
The case raises questions about the line between peaceful protest and potential public disorder. The police emphasise public safety and citizens’ right to free movement, while Sowore and his supporters argue it is suppression of dissent.
For infrastructure and governance:
The focus on blocking the Third Mainland Bridge underscores how vital transport arteries can become flash-points for protest and law enforcement in Lagos. Any disruption on such routes has wide-ranging effects on the city’s economy and mobility.
For political activism:
As a high-profile activist, Sowore’s being declared “wanted” carries symbolic weight. It could influence how future protests are organised and how authorities handle demonstrations in Lagos and across Nigeria.
For the Lagos administration:
The government maintains that the demolition exercise was legally justified, that compensation was provided to affected residents, and that there is no excuse for using the issue to provoke unrest.
Open Questions
- Will Sowore surrender, or will police effect an arrest?
- What evidence supports the claim of planning to block major roads, and will it stand up in court?
- Will the 13 arrested suspects face formal charges?
- How will Lagos residents react — will there be further protests, or will the police presence deter unrest?
- What precedent will this case set for protest regulation in Lagos and across Nigeria?
Conclusion
The Lagos State Police Command’s move to declare Omoyele Sowore wanted highlights the ongoing tension between civic activism and state authority in Nigeria’s largest city. While the police describe their actions as protection of public order and infrastructure, critics view it as an attempt to stifle opposition. The unfolding situation will test Nigeria’s balance between maintaining peace and upholding citizens’ constitutional rights to protest and free expression.
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