The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, has once again emphasized that Sowore remains wanted by the state command over allegations of planning to cause public disturbance. The police chief made this clarification during a meeting with a group of social activists who paid a courtesy visit to the command headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.
According to Jimoh, Sowore remains wanted following earlier reports that the activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) attempted to mobilize protesters to block the Third Mainland Bridge. He stated that despite previous communications from Sowore’s lawyer seeking to know where the activist could surrender himself, the activist has failed to show up. The Commissioner noted that the police will continue to track him until he is apprehended.
Jimoh further explained that there is no time limitation for executing the arrest of a wanted person. He said the Lagos Police Command remains resolute in its decision and will continue to maintain surveillance until Sowore is caught. He also directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers across the state to arrest him wherever he is seen—except in a courtroom.
The Commissioner clarified that he had not received any court order restraining the police from arresting Sowore. He stressed that the police operate within the law and would respect any valid court injunction once served. In his words: “There is no timeframe for arresting Sowore. He has been declared wanted, and once he is spotted anywhere in Lagos, he will be arrested. I have not been served with any restraining order, and as a law-abiding institution, the police will comply if such an order is issued.”
On the question of whether his declaration was constitutional, Jimoh explained that he acted within the powers granted to him by the Nigerian Constitution. He cited sections 215 (1b), (4), and (5), which empower the Commissioner of Police to ensure the maintenance of law and order, protection of lives and property, and overall security of the state. He maintained that declaring Sowore remains wanted falls within his authority to prevent mayhem or any threat to public safety.
The CP argued that such constitutional powers are clear and unambiguous, enabling him to act proactively when public peace is at risk. He warned that any individual or group attempting to disrupt public order—particularly by blocking major infrastructures such as the Third Mainland Bridge—would face the full weight of the law. He also reminded social activists to be mindful of the consequences of their actions on the general public, emphasizing that public safety remains the command’s top priority.
Jimoh pointed out that blocking major routes under the pretext of protest not only threatens public safety but also jeopardizes national infrastructure and disrupts economic activities. He assured Lagosians that the police are committed to ensuring peace and protecting lives and property across the state.
During the meeting, renowned social activist Dr. Segun Awosanya, popularly known as Segalink, expressed concern about the growing number of individuals exploiting activism for personal gains. Awosanya argued that some self-proclaimed activists have turned their platforms into tools of chaos, complicating the work of the police and damaging the image of true activism.
He stated that the persistent attacks on the police system have weakened national security and reduced public confidence in law enforcement. Awosanya emphasized the need for citizens to embrace patriotism and accountability in their activism, adding that genuine activism should promote unity, not lawlessness.
He further commended the police for their efforts in maintaining law and order and promised continued collaboration to combat lawless actions disguised as activism.
This marks the third time the Lagos State Police Command has declared Sowore remains wanted, following his alleged plans to stage a protest that could have disrupted movement on the Third Mainland Bridge.
However, Sowore has dismissed the declaration as unlawful. The activist insisted that the police have no constitutional right to declare any individual wanted without a valid court order. He argued that the move was an attempt to silence dissent and divert attention from the alleged misconduct of some officers during the Oworonshoki protest.
While the police maintain their stance, the situation continues to attract public attention as debates grow over the boundaries between activism, public order, and police authority in Nigeria.
Source: PUNCH