Lagos State Police Commissioner Reiterates Warrant for Omoyele Sowore
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, has once again confirmed that human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, is wanted for allegedly causing public disturbance in the state. This statement was made during a courtesy visit by social activists at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Jimoh emphasized that following his initial declaration, a lawyer contacted him to inquire about where Sowore should surrender. He directed the legal department of the command to engage with the lawyer, but Sowore has not yet appeared. The commissioner stressed that while there is no specific timeframe for arresting a wanted person, the police have been actively tracking Sowore and are prepared to arrest him soon.
He further clarified that he has not received any court order preventing him from arresting Sowore. Jimoh stated that he has instructed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in the state to arrest Sowore wherever he is seen, except within a courtroom.
“I am not aware of any court order, nor have I been served any court order that restrains me from arresting Sowore. The police are a respecter of the law. If there’s any court order today, I will equally comply with the court order,” Jimoh said.
Constitutional Authority to Declare Someone Wanted
Jimoh also addressed the constitutionality of declaring Sowore as wanted. He noted that he has the constitutional authority to do so without a court order, as part of his duty to maintain law and order in the state. He cited Section 215 (1b), (4), and (5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which grants the Commissioner of Police the right to ensure law and order, protect lives and property, and maintain public safety.
“If that is the provision of the constitution, I think it is neither ambiguous nor controversial. As I deem fit, I will be proactive in ensuring that anybody who wants to come into Lagos to cause mayhem, destroy property or lives, or threaten the existence of Nigerians living in Lagos is declared wanted. That is the power under the constitution upon which I declared Sowore wanted,” Jimoh added.
Police Commitment to Public Safety
Jimoh reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property. He urged social activists to consider the implications of their actions on the well-being of other members of society. He specifically highlighted the risks associated with attempts to block the Third Mainland Bridge under the guise of a protest.
“Any attempt to block the Third Mainland Bridge under the guise of a protest not only puts road users at risk but also undermines the integrity of the bridge and poses a threat to the country’s economy,” he said.
Social Activist’s Perspective
Dr Segun Awosanya, also known as Segalink, a social activist, echoed similar sentiments. He stressed that the actions of individuals posing as activists to endanger society have made the work of the police more difficult and eroded the principle of patriotism.
“All the insecurity that foreign countries are criticising us for today is because of the maltreatment of the Nigerian Police system. We have intimated all arms of government, including the Presidency, from 2015 downwards, on the need to reinforce, reposition, reorganise, and re-energise the Nigeria Police Force,” Awosanya said.
He pointed out that many people engage in activism for financial gains rather than genuine concern for the nation. “A lot of people are into activism for the grants they are going to get, and they don’t understand the position of patriotism. That is why we have come to reinforce our support for the Nigeria Police.”
Background on Sowore’s Wanted Status
This is the third time the Lagos CP has declared Sowore wanted over his plans to mobilise protesters to block the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. The protests were aimed at opposing the demolition exercise carried out by the state government in the Oworonshoki area.
Earlier reports indicated that Sowore rejected the wanted status, calling it unlawful. He argued that no police officer, including the commissioner, has the authority to declare someone wanted without a court-issued warrant. Sowore also claimed the declaration stemmed from police officers’ failure to execute an alleged shoot-at-sight order during the Oworonshoki protest, a claim that the CP refuted.