The Lagos State Police Command has declared human rights activist and convener of the Take It Back Movement, Omoyele Sowore, wanted for alleged attempts to incite public disturbance in the state.
This follows the group’s protest on Monday against the recent demolition of buildings in Oworonshoki, which the state government said was part of its urban modernisation project.
Despite prior warnings from the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Olorundare Jimoh, against any protest that could disrupt public order, members of the Take It Back Movement reportedly defied the directive and gathered for a peaceful demonstration.
Security operatives, including anti-riot police and personnel of the Lagos State Task Force, later dispersed the protesters with tear gas canisters. Sowore, however, was said to be absent during the protest.
Speaking shortly after the incident, Jimoh accused Sowore of plotting to obstruct traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge under the guise of protest, describing the plan as “an act capable of causing serious public hardship.”
“He has put all plans in motion to obstruct traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge. It is an act that causes serious felony and would inflict hardship on Nigerians, especially visitors transiting the route. We will not allow this to happen. We are closing in on him. Wherever he is, we will get him,” the Police Commissioner said.
Jimoh added that Sowore was being tracked after allegedly flying into Lagos from Abuja but failing to appear at the protest ground.
The Police Commissioner further explained that the command had received credible intelligence about plans to disrupt public order and moved swiftly to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
“If anyone had succeeded in causing any incident here, it would have been disastrous. Blocking the bridge, which serves millions daily, is unacceptable,” he said.
He disclosed that the command had made massive operational deployments across strategic locations in Lagos to prevent any demonstrations that could lead to disorder or traffic disruption.
“This is to protect lives and property and to secure the Third Mainland Bridge, which is vital to our economy and the daily survival of Lagos residents,” Jimoh added.
While acknowledging citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, CP Jimoh warned that such rights must be exercised within the confines of the law and must not infringe on the rights of others.
“Such actions are criminal in nature, and we advise people to stay out of it. The police will respond firmly but within the law, to prevent unnecessary hardship for other Nigerians,” he cautioned.
