Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has denied the Lagos Police claim that he is a wanted man. He accused the Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, of refusing to answer his calls after repeated attempts to reach him. Sowore said the police move was an effort to silence his activism and twist the truth about the Oworonshoki incident, where officers stopped a peaceful gathering.
“The Lagos Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, declared me wanted for ‘disturbing public peace.’ His officers failed to carry out an illegal ‘shoot on sight’ order from IGP Kayode Egbetokun,” Sowore said.
He added that, despite several calls to the police boss, there was no response. “I will still meet him soon to clear the issue,” he noted.
Police Accuse Sowore of Planning Public Unrest
Earlier, the Lagos Police Command accused Sowore of planning to incite unrest and block major roads in the city. During a media briefing at Iyana-Oworo, Commissioner Jimoh said security forces were closing in on Sowore and his team.
He warned that anyone who blocked key routes or caused disorder would face the law. Jimoh added that intelligence reports linked Sowore’s group to plans for protests at Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park. “Only someone reckless would try to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” he said.
Police Make Arrests, Tighten Security
Jimoh confirmed the arrest of 13 people allegedly connected to the planned protest. He said investigators were working to identify their sponsors and supporters. Police have deployed extra officers across Lagos, creating roadblocks and diversions to protect major infrastructure and maintain peace.
Conclusion
While police claim they are safeguarding order, Sowore insists he is being targeted for demanding justice. The clash highlights the tense relationship between civil activists and security agencies in Lagos.
Read also: Lagos Police Declare Sowore Wanted Over Planned Protest
