Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh Moshood, on Wednesday disclosed that famous Nigerian activist, Omoyele Sowore, was yet to report after he was declared wanted for allegedly plotting to instigate public unrest and obstruct major roads in the state, just as he also added that he has the constitutional power to declared him wanted.
Moshood, who made this disclosure while speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Wenesday, also denied reports that the Inspector General of Police had issued an order against Sowore.
While describing such claims as “misinformation”, and adding that he acted within the powers granted to him under the Constitution, the state police boss said intelligence reports indicated that Sowore had allegedly mobilised supporters to block the Third Mainland Bridge, an action he said could have endangered lives and disrupted economic activities in Lagos.
“I have the constitutional power to maintain public safety and public order within Lagos State. When someone is mobilising thousands to march on the Third Mainland Bridge, which is critical to the country, I cannot allow that,” he said.
According to Moshood, police operatives moved to disperse the gathering, using what he described as minimum force, adding that a vehicle fitted with loudspeakers and a generator, allegedly meant for the planned protest, was recovered, while 13 suspects were arrested.
The state CP also disclosed that no request for a peaceful protest was submitted to the command and added that Sowore went into hiding during the protest.
“He has gone into hiding. His lawyer sent a message indicating he would report at the State CID in Panti but he has failed to show up. We will do everything within the law to get him arrested, investigated, and prosecuted,” he stated.
While insisting that the declaration of Sowore as wanted was lawful and necessary to prevent what he described as an attempt to create unrest in Lagos, the state police chief added that the police are prepared to maintain law and order across the state and warned that the Third Mainland Bridge or any other critical national infrastructure would not be allowed to be used for protests.
