Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has defended his decision to declare activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore wanted, asserting that the move was within his constitutional powers. The declaration followed intelligence reports and social media posts allegedly linked to Sowore, suggesting plans to mobilize protesters to block the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
In a televised interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, CP Olohundare Jimoh stated, “I have the right to declare him wanted. Anyone who believes otherwise should go to court.” He explained that the police acted preemptively to prevent what they described as a planned “violent protest” over the demolition of informal settlements in Oworonshoki.
According to Jimoh, officers secured strategic locations and arrested 13 individuals allegedly linked to the protest. A vehicle carrying loudspeakers and a generator intended for the demonstration was also impounded.
Sowore, in response, filed a ₦500 million lawsuit against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and CP Jimoh. He claims the declaration violated his constitutional rights and was unlawful. The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeks enforcement of his civil liberties and damages for reputational harm.
The police commissioner also dismissed Sowore’s claim that officers had received a “shoot on sight” directive, calling it baseless and inflammatory.
This incident has sparked debate over the limits of police authority and the rights of citizens to protest, especially in politically sensitive contexts.
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