Declaring Sowore Wanted Within My Constitutional Powers — Lagos Police Commissioner
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has justified his decision to declare activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, wanted, saying the move was taken in accordance with his constitutional powers to maintain law and order.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Wednesday, Jimoh stated that the declaration was a lawful step to prevent what he described as a planned violent protest aimed at disrupting public peace 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,”
— Olohundare Jimoh, Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
According to the police chief, intelligence gathered by security operatives revealed posts allegedly made by Sowore on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, suggesting plans to mobilise protesters to block the Third Mainland Bridge.
He said police operatives acted swiftly to prevent the planned demonstration, sealing off strategic parts of Lagos and arresting 13 suspects linked to the alleged protest.
Jimoh also disclosed that the police impounded a vehicle containing loudspeakers and a generator meant for the rally.
“When he posted that he had just taken a bath in Abuja and that his next stop was Lagos to block the Third Mainland Bridge, we were prepared,” Jimoh said.
“We cordoned off the entire area where he planned to hold the protest to ensure no disruption occurred.”
The CP explained that his actions were guided by the need to ensure public safety and protect lives and property, stressing that he acted independently without directives from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
“The IGP has not given any such order. And not only to me, but to virtually all police commands across the country,” he clarified.
Jimoh further maintained that his constitutional responsibility includes preventing crime and maintaining peace across the state.
“I have the right under the Constitution to prevent crime and to stop anyone planning to cause mayhem,” he said.
The controversy began on November 3, 2025, when the police declared Sowore wanted for alleged acts “capable of disturbing public peace” and planning to obstruct traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge.
In response, Sowore condemned the declaration as unlawful, arguing that no police officer, including the commissioner, has the authority to declare any citizen wanted without a court-issued warrant.
He further claimed that the police declaration came after an alleged failed ambush by officers acting under a supposed shoot-at-sight order, which the Lagos CP has since denied.
“The IGP never issued a shoot-at-sight order against Sowore,” Jimoh stated firmly.
The standoff has reignited debate on the limits of police powers and citizens’ rights to peaceful protest under Nigeria’s Constitution.
