Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh Moshood, on Wednesday said activist, Omoyele Sowore, was yet to report after he was declared wanted for allegedly plotting to instigate public unrest and obstruct major roads in the state.
Moshood, who spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme, dismissed reports that the Inspector General of Police had issued an order against Sowore.
He described such claims as “misinformation”, adding that he acted within the powers granted to him under the Constitution.
According to the Commissioner, intelligence reports indicated that Sowore had allegedly mobilised supporters to block the Third Mainland Bridge, an action he said could have endangered lives and disrupted economic activities in Lagos.
“I have the constitutional power to maintain public safety and public order within Lagos State. When someone is mobilising thousands to march on the Third Mainland Bridge, which is critical to the country, I cannot allow that,” he said.
He explained that the police moved to disperse the gathering, using what he described as minimum force, adding that a vehicle fitted with loudspeakers and a generator, allegedly meant for the planned protest, was recovered, while 13 suspects were arrested.
Moshood stressed that no request for a peaceful protest was submitted to the command and added that Sowore went into hiding during the protest.
“He has gone into hiding. His lawyer sent a message indicating he would report at the State CID in Panti but he has failed to show up. We will do everything within the law to get him arrested, investigated, and prosecuted,” he stated.
The Commissioner insisted that the declaration of Sowore as wanted was lawful and necessary to prevent what he described as an attempt to create unrest in Lagos.
He also stated that the police are prepared to maintain law and order across the state and warned that the Third Mainland Bridge or any other critical national infrastructure would not be allowed to be used for protests.
