The calm of Lagos was shaken on Monday when the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, announced that activist Omoyele Sowore had been declared wanted. The police accuse Sowore of allegedly plotting to incite public unrest and obstruct major roads across the city. The announcement came during a press briefing at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge, one of Lagos’s busiest routes.
According to the Commissioner, intelligence reports revealed that Sowore and his associates were planning to stage coordinated demonstrations at sensitive locations, including Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park. Jimoh described the alleged plan as reckless and dangerous, insisting that such gatherings could cripple the city’s traffic flow and endanger lives.
“Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” Jimoh warned sternly, adding that the police were already closing in on him and others linked to the planned protests. So far, 13 suspects have reportedly been arrested, while Sowore allegedly remains on the run.
The Commissioner noted that the police had increased their presence across key parts of the state, setting up roadblocks and deploying officers to prevent any form of disruption. He emphasized that the measures were temporary and necessary to protect public safety and critical infrastructure. “The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary crowds. Any gathering there could cause serious structural damage,” he cautioned.
Jimoh also addressed growing tension over recent demolitions in Oworo-Soki and surrounding communities. He stated that residents affected had been compensated, urging the public not to use the issue as an excuse to stir unrest. “The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There’s no reason to provoke crisis,” he said.
As the situation unfolds, Sowore has reportedly denied the allegations, accusing the police of ignoring his calls and misrepresenting his intentions. Meanwhile, Lagos residents have been advised to go about their normal activities, as security operatives remain on high alert.
The unfolding drama adds a new chapter to the long history between Sowore and Nigerian authorities—one marked by clashes over activism, freedom of speech, and civil resistance. For now, the streets of Lagos remain calm, but the tension beneath the surface is undeniable.
