The Lagos State Police Command has renewed its move to apprehend political activist Omoyele Sowore, insisting that he must answer for what officials describe as plans to trigger violent demonstrations across the state.
The police position contrasts sharply with a recent ruling of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which barred security agencies from arresting or harassing the former AAC presidential candidate.
The court’s decision came after Sowore raised concerns that he had been listed as wanted over unclear allegations.
Last Wednesday, Justice Musa Kakaki issued an interim order restraining the Commissioner of Police and other security operatives from intimidating or declaring Sowore wanted until his case is fully determined.
The ruling was seen as a temporary shield for the activist, but the police suggest otherwise.
During a security strategy meeting held at the command headquarters in Ikeja, Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh insisted that Sowore had ignored repeated invitations to appear before investigators.
“We gave him every opportunity to make himself available. Instead of showing up, he chose to argue over the phone. That is unacceptable,” Jimoh said.
He further argued that his declaration of Sowore as wanted falls under constitutional powers assigned to the police to maintain peace and protect citizens.
According to him, Section 215 of the Nigerian Constitution empowers the Commissioner of Police to take necessary actions to prevent breakdown of order.
Jimoh also revealed that the command received correspondence from Sowore’s lawyer expressing readiness to present the activist for questioning, but claimed they later failed to honour that commitment.
The police chief stressed that the order to arrest Sowore remains in force.
“Any officer who sees him anywhere, on the road, at a restaurant, or at a public event, must arrest him and bring him to the State CID for investigation,” he declared.
According to Jimoh, security operatives recently intercepted over 300 people allegedly mobilising to cause chaos under the guise of protest activities on the Third Mainland Bridge.
Thirteen individuals were arrested, and a vehicle equipped with speakers and a generator was seized from the group.
He dismissed public criticisms circulating on social media, describing them as uninformed reactions from people who do not understand the legal responsibilities of the police.
“As Commissioner of Police, I will act within the powers of the law to safeguard Lagos. Anyone who is not satisfied can approach the court.
"We cannot allow enemies of progress to drag Lagos into turmoil,” he said.
Jimoh added that he had not been formally served any court order restraining the command from arresting Sowore.
“As I speak, I have not received any document from the court. Once the order is properly served on me, the command will comply without hesitation,” he assured.
He then issued fresh directives to Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical Units to immediately arrest Sowore anywhere he is found, except inside a courtroom.
The commissioner maintained that while peaceful protests are a right, no individual or group will be permitted to destabilise Lagos under the guise of activism.
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