The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its intention to arrest political activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over allegations that he is planning to incite violent protests in the state.
The Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, made the declaration on Monday during a strategic security meeting held at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, saying the order to arrest Sowore remains in force.
According to the police, the activist was invited for questioning after security operatives allegedly intercepted a group of protesters mobilizing to block the Third Mainland Bridge, one of Lagos’s busiest routes, in what they described as a planned demonstration against government policies.
However, Sowore, who is also the convener of the “#RevolutionNow” movement, reportedly failed to appear at the command despite an invitation from the police.
Speaking during the meeting, CP Jimoh said Sowore’s refusal to honour the invitation had left the police with no choice but to proceed with his arrest in line with constitutional powers.
“He never showed up. If you are declared wanted, you are to report to the nearest police station, not call me over the phone,” the police chief stated.
“The order to arrest him stands. Any officer who sights him—whether on the road, in a restaurant, or elsewhere—should arrest him and bring him to the State Criminal Investigation Department for proper investigation.”
Jimoh said Sowore’s lawyer had earlier sent a letter expressing readiness to bring his client to the police headquarters, but neither of them appeared as promised.
He added that the declaration was made in accordance with Section 215 (1, 4, and 5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the Commissioner of Police to maintain law and order and protect lives and property.
The CP also revealed that security operatives intercepted about 300 persons allegedly mobilizing to disrupt public peace on the Third Mainland Bridge.
He said 13 people were arrested during the operation, and police recovered a vehicle containing loudspeakers and a generator, which he said were meant to be used for the protest.
“It is only an individual who needs his head examined that would contemplate protesting on the Third Mainland Bridge,” Jimoh remarked.
“Such infrastructure, built with taxpayers’ money, must be protected at all costs.”
Jimoh said the police acted within constitutional limits by dispersing the group with minimal force, noting that no lives were lost. He explained that while some motorists fainted due to gridlock during the operation, traffic flow was quickly restored.
“Bridges across the world are designed for moving traffic, not stationary weight. Any threat to the Third Mainland Bridge is a threat to the economy and safety of Lagosians,” he said.
Responding to criticism on social media over the planned arrest, Jimoh dismissed the backlash as acts of ignorance, insisting that the police were acting within the law.
“Anybody who is not pleased can go to court. But as Commissioner of Police, I will continue to act within the powers of the law to protect the people of Lagos State,” he said.
“We will not allow enemies of progress to take Lagos back to a state of chaos.”
He also stated that as of Monday, he had not received any court order restraining the police from arresting Sowore.
“As I speak, I have not been served any order. The Nigerian Police Force is a respecter of the law. Once a court order is served on me, I will comply immediately,” he assured.
Jimoh directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Tactical Units to arrest Sowore wherever he is found—except within a courtroom.
Omoyele Sowore, 53, is a human rights activist, journalist, and publisher of the online news platform Sahara Reporters. He was the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
Sowore is known for his vocal criticism of government policies and has been involved in several protest movements, including the #RevolutionNow campaign launched in 2019, which called for sweeping political and economic reforms in Nigeria.
In August 2019, he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and detained for over four months on charges of treason, money laundering, and cyberstalking. His arrest drew condemnation from human rights groups and international observers, who accused the government of clamping down on dissent.
Since his release, Sowore has remained active in advocacy and political activism, frequently using social media to mobilize young Nigerians for civic actions.
The latest police declaration marks another chapter in his frequent confrontations with law enforcement authorities.
The Lagos police boss reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state, which he described as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and home to over 20 million residents.
Jimoh said his administration has implemented several new security strategies, including the creation of specialized tactical units such as the Eko Strike Force, Anti-Cultism Teams, and Anti-Car Theft Squads.
“Since I assumed office, we have expanded tactical squads from 23 to 33 units across the state,” he said.
“Our anti-car theft unit alone has recovered over 60 vehicles, including those stolen from other states.”
He commended officers of the Lagos State Police Command for their dedication and sacrifice, describing policing in Lagos as a “demanding but rewarding task.”
The CP also thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their continuous support in providing logistics, vehicles, and equipment to strengthen law enforcement operations in the state.
The recent tension comes amid growing public anxiety over economic hardship and the rising cost of living, which have led to sporadic protests in different parts of Nigeria.
The police say their latest actions are preventive, not repressive.
“We will not allow any individual or group to destabilize the state under the guise of protest,” Jimoh stressed.
The Commissioner urged residents to go about their normal activities, assuring them that the police are fully prepared to protect lives and property.
“There is no cause for fear or apprehension,” he said. “We will continue to act within the law to ensure that Lagos remains peaceful and secure for everyone.”
