The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has reaffirmed that activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, remains on the police wanted list, insisting that law enforcement officers will take all legal measures to arrest him.
Jimoh made the declaration on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Wednesday, maintaining that the earlier order issued against Sowore on Monday stands. The activist was declared wanted for allegedly attempting to disturb public peace and planning to obstruct traffic on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge.
“My declaration that Sowore is wanted is still in force,” Jimoh said on the show.
The police commissioner revealed that Sowore’s lawyer had contacted him via text message shortly after the declaration, but the activist had yet to honour the agreement to present himself at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for questioning.
“They agreed that Sowore would turn up at the CID because that is where the investigation is being carried out,” he said. “The normal practice is to conclude inquiries before making an arrest, but throughout yesterday he failed to report.”
Jimoh vowed that the police would not relent in ensuring Sowore’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution.
“We are going to do everything within the ambit of the law to get him arrested, investigated, and prosecuted for these offences,” he stressed.
The police chief also defended his authority to declare Sowore wanted, urging anyone who disagreed to challenge his action in court.
‘No Order to Shoot at Sight’
Jimoh dismissed Sowore’s claim that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered that he be shot on sight, describing the allegation as “a major misinformation.”
He said the claim was both false and mischievous, stressing that no such directive could ever come from the IGP.
“The Inspector General of the Nigerian Police will never give such an order and has never given such an order,” Jimoh said. “For what reason would he do that against anybody across the country?”
Jimoh alleged that Sowore’s comments were aimed at inciting unrest in Lagos.
“That is why I went all out to declare him wanted,” he added. “For him to say that the IGP has ordered that he be shot on sight is big misinformation and mischief, which he is known for.”
