Omoyele Sowore declared wanted by Lagos Police over alleged plot to instigate public unrest and block major roads following Oworonshoki demolitions

Omoyele Sowore has been declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Command over allegations that he planned to instigate public unrest and obstruct major roads across the state.

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The State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, made the announcement on Monday while addressing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge.

He accused the activist and former presidential candidate of ignoring police warnings against mobilising protests over the recent demolition of houses in the Oworonshoki area.

“We are closing in on Sowore and others involved in coordinating activities intended to disrupt public peace. Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” Jimoh said.

According to him, intelligence reports indicated that Omoyele Sowore and his associates were planning simultaneous demonstrations at strategic locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park — actions he described as “criminal” and potentially dangerous to public safety.

Jimoh added, “It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily.”

The police commissioner disclosed that 13 suspects linked to the alleged protest plans had already been apprehended, while Sowore was said to have gone into hiding.

Investigations, he said, were underway to uncover the sponsors and collaborators behind the purported unrest.

As part of security measures, police officers have been stationed across major highways and bridges, with temporary roadblocks and diversions implemented to prevent disruptions.

Jimoh further warned that “the Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight,” stressing that large gatherings on it could pose structural risks.

Addressing public outcry over the Oworonshoki demolitions, Jimoh insisted that affected residents had been compensated by the Lagos State Government.

“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke a crisis under the guise of protest,” he stated.

The commissioner urged Lagosians to go about their normal activities, assuring them that the police were fully in control of the situation.

“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” he declared.

Jimoh reaffirmed that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it must not descend into chaos or threaten lives.

Earlier, Omoyele Sowore had threatened to lead a protest against the demolitions in Oworonshoki, arguing that the government’s actions displaced residents unjustly.

The police, however, had warned him not to proceed, citing security concerns.

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The development marks yet another confrontation between the activist and law enforcement, as Sowore continues to be a vocal critic of government policy and a prominent advocate for civic rights in Nigeria.