Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate and activist, is wanted by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly attempting to cause civil disorder and block important roadways in the state.
This was revealed on Monday when Olohundare Jimoh, the state commissioner of police, briefed reporters at the Third Mainland Bridge’s Iyana-Oworo segment.
Jimoh claimed that Sowore, the leader of the “Take It Back Movement,” disregarded prior police cautions not to organise demonstrations in response to the recent demolition of homes in the Oworonshoki neighbourhood.
“We are closing in on Sowore and others involved in coordinating activities intended to disrupt public peace.
“Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” he said.
He warned that anyone trying to obstruct public roadways or provoke disturbances would “face the full weight of the law.”
The commissioner claimed that intelligence inputs showed Sowore and his allies were organising simultaneous protests at key sites like Freedom Park, Lekki Tollgate, and the Third Mainland Bridge.
Jimoh called the purported proposal “criminal” and said that it may seriously impede traffic and put lives at danger.
“It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” he added.
The police chief revealed that 13 suspects connected to the planned protest had already been arrested, while Sowore allegedly fled.
He stated that enquiries were being conducted to identify the plan’s funders and associates.
Jimoh revealed that police had set up temporary roadblocks and diversions along important roads and bridges.
Concerning the recent demolitions in some areas of Lagos, especially Oworonshoki, Jimoh insisted that the impacted locals had received compensation.
He assured locals that the police and other security services were keeping an eye on the situation and encouraged them to carry on with their daily lives without fear.
Recall that in response to the uproar surrounding the demolitions, Sowore had threatened to organise a protest against the demolition of houses in Oworoshoki.
Shortly after being granted bail in Abuja with Nnamdi Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and other demonstrators, Sowore made this announcement.
However, Sowore was advised by the commissioner not to organise demonstrations against the demolitions. He claimed that in order to prevent any planned protests that would cause public unrest, the leadership had made large-scale deployments throughout the city.
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