The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has reaffirmed that the declaration of activist Omoyele Sowore as wanted remains in force, insisting that the police will exhaust all lawful means to arrest and prosecute him.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, CP Jimoh said Sowore has failed to report to the police since being declared wanted on allegations of public disturbance and conspiracy to obstruct traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge.
“My declaration that Sowore is wanted is still in force,” Jimoh stated. “We are going to do everything within the ambit of the law to get him arrested, investigated, and prosecuted for these offences.”
The commissioner explained that Sowore’s lawyer had reached out via text message on Monday while he was attending to a riot situation, and that the matter was referred to the Officer-in-Charge of Legal for further coordination.
According to Jimoh, Sowore’s legal team had agreed that he would appear at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for questioning, but the activist failed to show up as promised.
“They agreed that Sowore will turn up at the CID because that is where the investigation is being carried out,” Jimoh said. “Throughout yesterday, he has failed to report.”
The police chief emphasized his authority to declare Sowore wanted, advising anyone who disagrees to seek redress through legal channels.
On allegations that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered Sowore to be “shot on sight,” Jimoh dismissed the claim as false and mischievous, accusing the activist of spreading misinformation to incite unrest.
“The Inspector General of Police will never give such an order,” he said. “For what reason would he do so? Sowore’s statement is clearly intended to cause panic and mayhem across Lagos.”
Jimoh maintained that the Nigerian Police Force remains committed to enforcing the law while respecting citizens’ rights and urged the public to disregard any claims suggesting unlawful directives from the police hierarchy.
