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By Christopher Oji
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has declared activist Omoyele Sowore wanted even as he ordered deployment of police personnel on and around the Third Mainland Bridge.
The move is in response to plans by the activist to stage a protest at Oworonshoki over the recent demolition of houses.
Already, 13 suspects believed to be Sowore’s loyalists have been arrested and the vehicle and loudspeaker they came with seized by the police.
Speaking on the assessment of the situation on the Third Mainland Bridge, Jimoh said the deployment was intended to protect lives, safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure free movement for thousands of daily commuters between Lagos Island and the mainland. He said: “this location is vital to the city’s economy and the wellbeing of commuters. We will not allow any action, peaceful or otherwise, to block the bridge and disrupt livelihoods.”
The Police 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.
He said police units had been positioned at strategic points, including Iyana-Oworo, Ilubirin and the 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 and to minimise disruption,” he said.
The Commissioner declared Sowore wanted for alleged offences, including causing disturbance of public peace and planning to obstruct traffic and create hardship for Lagos residents. “I hereby, as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, declare Sowore wanted,” he said, adding that investigations were ongoing and that the police were closing in on him.
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He urged Sowore to report to the nearest police station, saying, “He should be aware that we are closing in 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.
The police commissioner also told journalists that 13 arrests have already been made in connection with “miscreant” activity and 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, 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 added.
Commuters at bus stops near the bridge were observed using alternative boarding points as traffic officers redirected vehicles around cordoned areas. The police appealed to Lagosians to remain calm, cooperate with security and traffic personnel and go about their daily businesses without fear.
The Commissioner closed with a stern warning to would-be troublemakers saying, “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.”
Aside from the 13 suspects in the police net, the van conveying musical instruments, generating sets and other public speaking tools of the protesters were impounded, while the police are now on the trail of other fleeing protesters.
He urged visitors to Lagos and people going for their businesses to go about their normal duties and businesses without fear of intimidation as the police are on the ground to protect them.
