Lagos Police Reiterate Plan to Arrest Political Activist
The Lagos State Police Command has reaffirmed its intent to arrest political activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, over alleged plans to incite violent protests in Lagos. This move comes despite a recent court order that sought to prevent the police from taking any action against Sowore.
Following reports that the Lagos State Police Command had declared Sowore wanted, he filed an application with the Federal High Court in Lagos. The court, presided over by Justice Musa Kakaki, issued an interim injunction that restrained the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and other security agencies from arresting, intimidating, or declaring Sowore wanted. The ruling was aimed at preventing any actions that could interfere with the determination of the substantive suit.
However, the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, expressed disagreement with the court’s decision during a strategic security meeting at the command headquarters in Ikeja. He stated that despite Sowore’s invitation, he had not shown up at the command headquarters. Jimoh emphasized that the declaration of Sowore as wanted was made under Section 215 (1, 4, and 5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which grants the Commissioner of Police the authority to maintain law and order, protect lives, and property.
He further mentioned that although Sowore’s lawyer had previously expressed the intention to bring him to the command, neither the lawyer nor Sowore had appeared. Jimoh explained that if someone is declared wanted, they are expected to report to the nearest police station, not call the commissioner on the phone. He reiterated that the order to arrest Sowore remains in effect, and any officer who encounters him should arrest him and bring him to the State Criminal Investigation Department for proper investigation.
Security Operations Target Protesters
According to Jimoh, security operatives intercepted a group of approximately 300 individuals allegedly mobilizing to disrupt public peace on the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge under the guise of protest. During the operation, 13 people were apprehended, and a vehicle equipped with loudspeakers and a generator intended for the protest was recovered.
Jimoh dismissed criticisms from social media regarding his decision to arrest Sowore, calling it an act of ignorance. He insisted that his actions were lawful and necessary to prevent disorder. “Anybody who is not pleased can go to court, but as CP, I will continue to act within the powers of the law to protect the people of Lagos State. We will not allow enemies of progress to take Lagos back to a state of chaos,” he said.
Legal Dispute Continues
Jimoh noted that he had not been served any court order restraining the police from arresting the activist. “As I speak, I have not been served any order. The Nigeria Police Force is a respecter of the law. Once a court order is served on me, I will comply immediately,” he assured.
He directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, and Tactical Units to apprehend Sowore wherever he is found, except within a courtroom. Jimoh emphasized that no individual or group would be allowed to destabilize the state under the guise of protest.
Conclusion
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between the Lagos State Police Command and political activists, particularly those involved in challenging the status quo. While legal proceedings continue, the police remain determined to enforce their authority and maintain public order. As the legal battle unfolds, the implications for civil liberties and the rule of law in Nigeria remain significant. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.