Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, on Friday insisted that political activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, remains wanted by the police.
Speaking with journalists during the ‘Show of Force’ on the Third Mainland Bridge on Friday, November 7, Jimoh said directives had been given for Sowore’s arrest wherever he may be found.
He said the police had intensified security across the state to prevent a recurrence of the violent protests witnessed on September 8, adding that the ongoing exercise is to assure residents of their safety.
Jimoh said: “This is to ensure that we do not have any repeat of what happened on September 8. Sowore is known for his antics. He is ignorant of the law and arrogant. I have declared him wanted.
“I have directed that anywhere he is seen, whether in a hotel, in transit, on the ground, or even at the airport, he should be apprehended and prosecuted.”
The police commissioner disclosed that the police had received intelligence reports about plans by Sowore and his associates to stage protests aimed at disrupting public peace, but officers acted swiftly to foil the plan.
He added that Sowore had been evading arrest and challenged him to face the law.
“When he was planning the mayhem, we got information ahead and struck at the point where he had gathered about 300 protesters.
“In the process, 13 were apprehended, and the vehicle they intended to use to block the Third Mainland Bridge was recovered. Those suspects have since been arraigned and remanded in custody.
“If he is bold enough to show up in Abuja, why can’t he show up in Lagos? Let him come forward and face the law,” Jimoh said.
Recall that the Lagos State Police Command declared Sowore wanted after he led a protest against the demolition of structures at Oworonshoki by the Lagos State government on Monday, November 3.
Sowore, in a statement, however, rejected the wanted status and described it as unlawful, arguing that no police officer, including the commissioner, has the power to declare someone wanted without a court-issued warrant.
He further claimed that the declaration stemmed from police officers’ failure to execute the alleged shoot-at-sight order during the Oworonshoki protest.
The police commissioner stressed that the police had the constitutional authority to declare anyone wanted if their actions threatened public safety.
