Lagos CP Jimoh Defends Declaring Sowore Wanted, Says It’s Within His Constitutional Powers
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has defended his decision to declare Omoyele Sowore, activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, wanted — saying the action was within his constitutional powers to preserve law and order.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Jimoh said his decision followed intelligence reports about a planned violent protest in Lagos.
“I have the right to declare him wanted. Anyone who says I don’t have such a right should go to court,”
— Olohundare Jimoh, Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
According to Jimoh, police surveillance identified social media posts allegedly made by Sowore, suggesting plans to mobilise protesters to block the Third Mainland Bridge.
He said the police acted promptly by cordoning off parts of Lagos, arresting 13 suspects, and seizing a vehicle loaded with loudspeakers and a generator intended for the protest.
“When Sowore posted that he had just taken a bath in Abuja and was heading to Lagos to block the bridge, we moved swiftly,” Jimoh explained.
“We were fully prepared, cordoned off the area, and made alternative routes available for commuters.”
The Commissioner stressed that his actions were guided by the need to ensure public safety, protect lives and property, and prevent potential chaos.
He clarified that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) did not issue any directive to declare Sowore wanted, describing reports suggesting otherwise as “mischievous.”
“The IGP has not given such an order — not to me, nor to any command across the country,” he said.
Jimoh emphasized that as a law enforcement officer, the Constitution empowers him to take preventive measures against criminal activities.
“I have the right under the Constitution to prevent crime and stop anyone seeking to cause mayhem,” he added.
The controversy began on November 3, 2025, when the police declared Sowore wanted for “acts capable of disturbing public peace” and for allegedly planning to obstruct traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge.
In response, Sowore rejected the declaration, describing it as unconstitutional and illegal.
He argued that no police officer — including the Commissioner — has the power to declare any citizen wanted without a court-issued warrant. Sowore also alleged that the declaration came after police officers failed to carry out a supposed “shoot-at-sight” order during a protest in Oworonshoki — a claim Jimoh has firmly denied.
“There was never any shoot-at-sight directive from the IGP,” Jimoh stated.
The incident has once again sparked debate over the limits of police powers and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to peaceful protest, as authorities continue to balance public order with civil liberties.
