Lagos CP: I’ll do everything within the law to arrest Sowore

Moshood Jimoh, commissioner of police in Lagos, says he has the constitutional powers to declare Omoyele Sowore, publisher and human rights activist, wanted. 

He also promised to deploy all legal tools in his arsenal to arrest the former presidential candidate.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, Jimoh restated that nobody has the powers to obstruct vehicular movement on the Third Mainland Bridge and elsewhere in the city, during a protest.

BACKGROUND

On Monday, while addressing journalists in the Oworonshoki community of Lagos, Jimoh declared Sowore wanted over alleged public disturbance.

Jimoh accused Sowore of visiting Lagos to incite unrest over the demolition of buildings in the community.

Police officers fired teargas canisters at demonstrators railing against the demolition of buildings in the suburb by the Lagos state government.

Some of the protesters sustained injuries while a handful were arrested.

Oworonshoki is one of the coastal communities encircling the Third Mainland Bridge — one of the longest bridges in Africa.

‘SOWORE WILL BE ARRESTED, PROSECUTED’

The Lagos police boss said officers were prepared for the arrival of Sowore in Lagos, adding that it is the responsibility of the police to prevent crimes.

Jimoh said since he was declared wanted, Sowore has failed to present himself to the police for investigation.

“I want to underscore the fact that I have the right to declare him wanted based on my rights in the constitution,” he said.

“Any person who says I don’t have such a right should go to court.

“For me to ensure public safety, security, and protection of lives and properties of Lagosians, I have the right to do everything possible within the ambit of the law.

“That is why I promptly declared him wanted.

“The lawyers agreed that Sowore will turn up at the CID because that is where the investigation is being carried out.

“The normal practice in investigation is to conclude inquiries before going for arrest.

“Throughout yesterday, he has failed to report, and we are going to do everything within the ambit of the law to get him arrested, investigated, and prosecuted for these offences.”

He denied the claim that Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, issued an order that the police should shoot Sowore on sight.

“I think that is a great misinformation to the general public and to Nigerians at large, which no organisation will take lightly,” Jimoh added.

“The inspector general of police will never give such an order and has never given such an order.”