Activists and politician, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday confirmed he was aware that the Lagos Police Command declared him wanted for alleged disturbance of public peace.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh in the early hours of the day made the declaration following plans by Sowore and his followers to block the Third Mainland Bridge to protest the demolition of houses at Oworonshoki.
Jimoh, who led anti-riot policemen to the critical national infrastructure as early as 8am, ordered massive deployment on and around it to prevent any group from laying siege to the facility thereby bringing economic and human activities to a halt.
He said: “I hereby, as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, declare Sowore wanted for alleged offences including causing disturbance of public peace and planning to obstruct traffic and create hardship for Lagos residents.
“He should be aware that we are closing on him. He should report himself to the nearest police station, because I am going to arrest him, investigate him and prosecute him.”
The Commissioner questioned why the activist, who had previously staged protests in Abuja, was not present in Lagos to face the situation.
On the massive deployment of anti-riot operatives, CP Jimoh said it was to protect lives, safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure free movement for thousands of daily commuters between Lagos Island and the mainland.
“This location is vital to the city’s economy and the wellbeing of commuters. We will not allow any action, peaceful or otherwise that seeks to block the bridge and disrupt livelihoods.
“Anyone attempting to disturb public peace will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted. Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy, and we cannot afford chaos here,” he said.
The Commissioner warned that blocking the carriageway could threaten the structural integrity of the bridge and public safety, adding that bridges are designed for moving traffic, not prolonged stationary loads.
“Any attempt to obstruct the Third Mainland Bridge is a direct threat to public safety and national infrastructure,” he said.
Olohundare said police units have been positioned at strategic points including Iyana-Oworo, Ilubirin, Berger bus stop and at terminals to prevent demonstrators from infiltrating vehicles and reaching the carriageway.
Traffic-control and tactical units have also been mobilised to keep buses and private vehicles moving in order to minimise disruption.
The CP told journalists that 13 arrests have been made in connection with “miscreant” activity, adding that those using the demolition issue to instigate violence would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
He reiterated that residents of Oworonshoki who were entitled to compensation had been paid by the relevant government agency and that there was no justifiable reason to stage a disruptive protest on vital transport links.
Contingency deployments have been made beyond the Third Mainland Bridge, CP Jimoh said, with additional units deployed to strategic locations including Lekki Toll Gate and Freedom Park to deter parallel protests or coordinated disruptions.
“We are on ground and prepared to deal with any eventuality within the confines of the law,” he said.
Reacting through his verified Facebook page, Sowore wrote: “The Lagos Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, has reportedly declared me ‘wanted’ for ‘disturbance of public peace’, allegedly as a result of his officers’ inability to execute a ‘shoot on sight’ order given by his illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun in Oworonsoki today.
“Despite my repeated attempts to contact Nigeria Police Force Commissioner Jimoh, he has not taken my calls; nevertheless, I plan to meet with him soon to address his declaration.”
