Lagos Police Declare Omoyele Sowore Wanted Over Planned Anti-Demolition Protest

The Lagos State Police Command has declared human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, wanted for allegedly planning to incite public unrest and obstruct major roads across the city.

Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge, warning that Sowore’s proposed protest could disrupt public order and threaten lives.

According to the police chief, Sowore — convener of the Take It Back Movement — allegedly ignored prior warnings against mobilising demonstrations over the recent demolition of houses in the Oworonshoki area.

“We are closing in on Sowore and others involved in coordinating activities intended to disrupt public peace. Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” Jimoh stated.

He added that intelligence reports indicated Sowore and his associates were planning simultaneous protests at strategic locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.

Jimoh described the alleged plan as “criminal,” noting that it could cause severe traffic gridlock and pose structural risks to the bridge.

“It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” he added.

The police said 13 suspects connected to the planned protest had already been arrested, while Sowore allegedly fled. Investigations are ongoing to identify the sponsors and collaborators behind the movement.

Meanwhile, police officers have been deployed across major highways and bridges, with temporary roadblocks and diversions already mounted.

Addressing concerns over the Oworonshoki demolitions, Jimoh maintained that affected residents were duly compensated, insisting that there was no justification for protests.

“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no reason to provoke a crisis under the guise of protest,” he said.

The commissioner urged Lagos residents to go about their normal activities without fear, assuring them that security agencies were fully on alert.

“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos. Freedom of expression must not turn into a public nuisance,” Jimoh warned.

Sowore had earlier vowed to stage a peaceful demonstration against the demolitions shortly after being granted bail in Abuja alongside Nnamdi Kanu’s counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and others.

However, the Lagos Police Command insists that any protest that disrupts movement or threatens peace will be met with firm resistance.