The Commissioner of Police (CP) for Lagos State, Moshood Jimoh, has declared activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore wanted, accusing him of instigating public disturbance in connection with protests against ongoing building demolitions in the Oworonshoki community.
Jimoh announced the declaration on Monday while speaking at Oworonshoki.
He alleged that Sowore traveled to Lagos with the intent to stir up trouble concerning the sate government’s demolition of structures in the area, part of an “urban regeneration project.”
The police commissioner declared Sowore wanted for the act of causing disturbance of public peace and act to commit serious felony by planning to obstruct traffic on the Third Mainland bridge to cause hardship for Lagosians and other Nigerians.
The declaration follows protests by residents against the demolitions, which have been underway since the state government began the exercise.
Earlier on Monday, police officers used tear gas on protesters demonstrating against the removal of the buildings, resulting in injuries and the arrest of several individuals.
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Jimoh confirmed that 13 protesters have been arrested in the community.
He defended the police response and dismissed the necessity of the protest, stating that the state government had already compensated those affected by the demolitions.
“He (Sowore) should report at the nearest police station. I, as the commissioner of police (for) Lagos State Police Command, declare Sowore wanted for the act of causing disturbance of public peace,” Jimoh stated.
He added, “We are closing in on him,” questioning why Sowore was reportedly avoiding arrest in Lagos despite having previously been seen in Abuja.
The demolition exercise in Oworonshoki is being carried out as part of the Lagos state government’s “urban regeneration project.”
The Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) began paying compensation to affected property owners on October 24.Demolition work commenced the following day, October 25, at the Precious Seed area of Oworonshoki.
This immediately met with resistance from residents, with police officers reportedly firing tear gas at them.
The escalating tension led to youths in the community scheduling a protest for October 27 at the Third Mainland bridge.
However, police mobilisation to the bridge forced the postponement of that planned protest.
The Lagos CP’s declaration escalates the tension surrounding the controversial demolitions and the right to protest in the state.
Sowore has been instructed to report immediately to the nearest police station.
