The Lagos State Police Command has declared former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, wanted over what authorities describe as a plot to stage disruptive protests across major routes in Lagos.
Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, announced on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo end of the Third Mainland Bridge that security operatives were tracking Sowore and members of his group for allegedly planning demonstrations aimed at blocking highways and causing public disorder.
Jimoh said intelligence reports linked the movement to planned mass actions at key locations — including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park — which he claimed could jeopardise public safety, damage infrastructure, and trigger serious traffic chaos.
He disclosed that 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the alleged plan, while Sowore “escaped before police intervention.”
According to the commissioner, anyone who attempts to disrupt public order would be arrested and prosecuted, urging the activist to surrender at any police station.
Security presence has since been heightened around major routes, with temporary diversions introduced to prevent disruptions. Jimoh also warned that the Third Mainland Bridge is not designed to support stationary crowds, describing such a move as a potential structural and safety risk.
Sowore Responds: “Police Failed to Execute Illegal Shoot-on-Sight Order”
Reacting to the police declaration, Sowore accused the Lagos Police Commissioner of acting unlawfully and claimed the move followed a failed attempt to target him violently.
In his statement, he wrote on Facebook:
“The Lagos Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, has reportedly declared me ‘wanted’ for ‘disturbance of public peace’, allegedly as a result of his officers’ inability to execute a ‘shoot on sight’ order given by his illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun in Oworonsoki today.
Despite my repeated attempts to contact Nigeria Police Force Commissioner Jimoh, he has not taken my calls; nevertheless, I plan to meet with him soon to address his declaration.”
— Omoyele Sowore
The politician maintained that he has done nothing illegal and vowed to confront the police openly rather than “run or hide.”
The Lagos Police Command has not yet responded to Sowore’s allegations regarding the alleged shoot-on-sight directive.