Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has justified his decision to declare Sahara Reporters’ publisher, Omoyele Sowore, wanted, insisting that his action was lawful and within his constitutional powers to maintain public order.
Jimoh, who spoke on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Wednesday, said the move was a preventive measure to stop what he described as a planned “violent protest” in Lagos.
“I have the right to declare him wanted. Any person who says I don’t have such a right should go to court,” the police chief said.
According to him, intelligence reports and social media monitoring indicated plans by Sowore and his supporters to block the Third Mainland Bridge as part of a protest.
He said police operatives acted swiftly by cordoning off parts of the state and arresting 13 suspects allegedly linked to the planned demonstration.
“We don’t just declare him wanted. When he posted on his X handle that he had just taken a bath in Abuja and was heading to Lagos to block the Third Mainland Bridge, we moved in immediately,” Jimoh stated.
He added that a vehicle conveying loudspeakers and a generator meant for the protest was also seized.
The commissioner explained that his actions were guided by the need to ensure public safety and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“I have the right under the Constitution to prevent crime and stop anybody from causing mayhem in any part of the country,” he said.
Jimoh dismissed claims that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed him to declare Sowore wanted, describing such reports as “mischievous.”
“The IGP has not given any such order, not to me or any other police formation across the country,” he clarified.
His comments came amid public outrage following the police declaration of Sowore as wanted on November 3 over alleged plans to disrupt public peace and obstruct traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge.
Sowore, however, faulted the police action, describing it as unlawful and unconstitutional.
In a statement, the activist maintained that no police officer, including a commissioner, has the power to declare a citizen wanted without a court warrant.
He also alleged that the declaration was an attempt to cover up what he described as a failed “shoot-at-sight” plan against him during the Oworonshoki protest.
“I was informed that the IGP dispatched officers to ambush me. When the attempt failed, they declared me wanted,” he claimed.
But the Lagos CP dismissed the allegation, insisting that no such directive or operation existed.