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The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has reiterated that political activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore remains wanted by the police, with directives to arrest him wherever he may be found.
Speaking with journalists during the ‘Show of Force’ on the Third Mainland Bridge on Friday, CP Jimoh said the police had intensified security across the state to prevent a recurrence of the violent protests witnessed on September 8.
He described the ongoing exercise as a confidence-building operation to assure residents of their safety.
“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 commissioner said.
CP Jimoh revealed 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.
“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,” he added.
The police boss said that the activist had been evading arrest.
“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 challenged.
The CP’s comments followed controversy that erupted on November 3, when police announced Sowore was wanted.
Sowore, however, rejected the wanted status and described it as unlawful.
In a statement, he argued 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.
But the CP emphasised that the police had the constitutional authority to declare anyone wanted if their actions threatened public safety.
“Under Section 215, subsections 1(b), 4, and 5 of the Constitution, I have the power to protect lives and property and maintain law and order.
“I deem it fit to declare Sowore wanted because of his threat to the peace and welfare of Lagos residents,” he said.
The commissioner said that the temporary closure of the Berger Bus Stop was a preventive measure to forestall unrest, noting that it was reopened daily by 3:00 p.m. with alternative traffic routes provided for commuters.
CP Jimoh urged Lagos residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the state remains peaceful and under effective security surveillance.
“The entire Lagos is safe. We are on the ground 24/7 to ensure residents go about their lawful businesses without fear,” he said.
(NAN)
