Policemen mount guard as members of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Civil Society Group stage a protest over the hardship facing the mass as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy by the government, in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. (Photo by Adekunle Ajayi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, on Monday declared human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, wanted for allegedly inciting public disturbance during protests against the demolition of buildings in Oworonshoki.
Addressing journalists at the scene, Jimoh accused Sowore of traveling to Lagos to “instigate unrest” following the demolition exercise recently carried out by the state government.
Earlier in the day, tension erupted in the community when police fired teargas to disperse residents who were protesting the demolition of their homes, leaving several people injured.
A number of demonstrators were also arrested as security operatives moved in to restore calm.
The police commissioner maintained that there was no justification for the protest, insisting that the state government had already compensated affected residents.
“So far, we have arrested 13 protesters from this community,” Jimoh said. “He (Sowore) should report to the nearest police station. I, as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, hereby declare Sowore wanted for inciting public disturbance.”
Jimoh further alleged that the activist was planning to block the Third Mainland Bridge as part of the protest, describing the act as a deliberate attempt to inflict hardship on Lagosians.
“I declare him wanted for causing a disturbance of public peace and attempting to commit a serious offence by obstructing traffic,” he added.
“We are closing in on him. We learnt he is recording a video from inside a car and refuses to come out. He came down in Abuja why is he afraid in Lagos?” the police chief queried.
