Police Accuse Sowore of Inciting Unrest, Declare Him Wanted 

The Lagos State Police Command has declared human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, wanted over allegations of attempting to incite public unrest during a planned protest in the state.

Commissioner of Police, Olorundare Jimoh, announced the development on Monday, saying Sowore and his associates were linked to an aborted protest targeting key areas of Lagos, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.

Jimoh disclosed that 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the alleged plot, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend Sowore and others still at large.

He urged the activist to report to the nearest police station for questioning.

According to the police, the planned demonstration was intended to “disturb public peace” and cause traffic obstruction, which could lead to hardship for residents and commuters.

Responding to the development, Sowore criticized the Lagos Police Command for what he described as an attempt to silence dissenting voices. He alleged that the police ignored his calls before declaring him wanted and accused them of misrepresenting the facts surrounding the protest.

He further claimed that the declaration stemmed from the police’s alleged failure to carry out a “shoot-at-sight” order during an earlier demonstration in Oworonshoki, describing the move as politically motivated.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate and long-time critic of government policies, has been previously arrested several times over similar protest-related activities.

The police, however, maintained that their actions were in line with the law and aimed at preventing a breakdown of order in the state.